Powder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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powder
[ˈpaʊdər ]
Definitions
in cooking
Fine particles produced by the grinding, crushing, or disintegration of a solid substance. Powder is commonly used in cooking to add flavor, texture, or color to dishes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| powder |
Often used to describe a dry, fine substance made by crushing solid materials. Commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, and medicine.
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| dust |
Refers to fine, dry particles that are light enough to be carried by the air. It can also mean a thin layer of fine particles on a surface.
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| pulverize |
Describes the act of grinding or crushing something into a very fine, almost powder-like consistency, usually with a machine or extreme force.
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| crush |
Used when an object is broken into smaller pieces under pressure. Often implies a more forceful or violent action compared to other terms in the group.
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Examples of usage
- Add a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce for extra flavor.
- The recipe calls for a teaspoon of baking powder to help the dough rise.
in cosmetics
A substance consisting of ground, pulverized, or otherwise finely dispersed solid particles used in cosmetics for various purposes such as makeup, skincare, or hair care.
Synonyms
cosmetic powder, face powder, makeup powder.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| powder |
Same as first entry. In a beauty context, it is often used as a shorthand for cosmetic or face powder.
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| cosmetic powder |
Specifically used in the context of beauty and personal care. It generally refers to powders used to enhance or alter one's appearance. This term encompasses all types of powders used for cosmetic purposes.
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| makeup powder |
A broad term for powder used in makeup products, which can include setting powder, foundation powder, or finishing powder. It emphasizes its role in makeup application.
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| face powder |
A type of cosmetic powder specifically formulated for use on the face. It is used to set foundation, reduce shine, and provide a smooth finish.
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Examples of usage
- She applied a light dusting of face powder to set her foundation.
- The talcum powder helps to absorb excess oil on the skin.
firearms
To load or fill a gun or firearm with gunpowder in preparation for shooting.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| powder |
This term is often used to describe a fine, dry substance made up of very tiny particles. It can apply to substances like makeup, spices, or chemicals.
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| load |
Describes the process of putting a large amount of something into a space, container, or vehicle. It can also refer to the act of preparing a weapon by putting bullets into it.
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| charge |
Used to describe the amount of explosive material in ammunition or a specific responsibility or duty given to someone.
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| fill |
This term refers to causing something to become full or occupying space. It is often used in everyday situations.
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Examples of usage
- He carefully powdered each bullet before loading it into the rifle.
- The soldiers quickly powdered their muskets for the upcoming battle.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Powdered substances often have larger surface areas, which can affect their reactivity and how they blend with other materials.
- Some powders, like certain metals and chemicals, can be highly explosive under specific conditions when mixed with air.
- When mixed with liquids, powders can form pastes or slurries, which are important in many scientific processes.
Culinary Arts
- In cooking, various powders like baking soda and flour are essential and serve unique functions like leavening or thickening.
- Spices, herbs, and seasonings are often used in powdered form for ease of storage and to enhance flavors in dishes.
- Powdered sugar is a finely ground form of sugar that dissolves quickly, making it popular for frosts and toppings.
Health and Beauty
- Cosmetic powders are widely used to set makeup, absorb oil, and provide a smooth finish to the skin.
- Certain powders, like talcum powder, have been used for decades for personal hygiene but have raised health concerns.
- In the pharmaceutical industry, many medicines are made in powdered forms for easy dosing and absorption.
Industry and Technology
- Powder metallurgy is a process that involves shaping and sintering powdered metals to create strong, durable parts.
- In 3D printing, powdered materials can be used to build objects layer by layer, demonstrating advanced manufacturing techniques.
- The increase in powdered materials in industries reflects the trend towards lightweight and high-strength components in engineering.
Origin of 'powder'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'pulverem,' meaning dust, which reflects its fine texture.
- In Old French, 'poudré' meant 'dusty' and was used to describe substances that were dry and fine.
- Historically, the term has been associated with various forms of grinding down materials, from spices to minerals.
The word 'powder' originated from Middle English 'poudre', which came from Old French 'poldre', ultimately from Latin 'pulvis, pulveris'. The use of powder has been prevalent throughout history in various fields such as cooking, cosmetics, and firearms, evolving to serve different purposes in modern times.
See also: power.