What is powder? Pronunciation and usage in English

powder means . Learn how to pronounce and use powder through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of powder

powdernoun

/ˈpaʊdə/
Definition & pronunciation of powder

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "powder" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and it depends a bit on where you are from. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation:

  • ˈpaʊdər (IPA: /ˈpaʊdər/)
    • ˈpow: This is the stressed syllable. It sounds like "pow" as in "power." Your mouth should be open a bit wider than normal.
    • der: This is a short, quick "der" sound, almost like you're saying "duh" very quickly. The "r" is lightly rolled (if you're able to roll your r's – many Americans don't roll their r's).

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • ˈpaʊdər (IPA: /ˈpaʊdər/) – it's the same as the American pronunciation! Interestingly, British and American pronunciations are virtually identical for "powder."

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Focus on the “pow” sound: Really emphasize that initial “pow” syllable.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "r": A slight, almost silent “r” is fine. Don't pronounce it like a strong "r" in words like "red."
  • Practice: Say it aloud several times. Record yourself and compare it to a native speaker (you can easily find audio examples online).

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Focus on one particular aspect of the pronunciation (like rolling the "r")?

Usage and examples with the word powder in English

Let's break down how to use the word "powder" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Fine, Dry Substance (Most Common)

  • Definition: This is the most frequent meaning. It refers to something that’s finely ground and lacks liquid. Think of it as a small, almost granular material.
  • Examples:
    • "She sprinkled powder on the cake for decoration." (sugar, cocoa, edible glitter)
    • "The magician produced a cloud of powder from his sleeve." (smoke powder, stage smoke)
    • "He used powder to dust off the antique furniture." (polishing powder)
    • "The astronauts used lunar powder to make footprints." (moon dust)
    • “The baby’s skin was covered in powder.” (baby powder)

2. Makeup – Face Powder

  • Definition: Specifically, in cosmetics, "powder" refers to a fine substance used to set makeup, reduce shine, and mattify the skin.
  • Examples:
    • "She applied a light dusting of powder to her cheeks."
    • "I prefer a matte powder over a dewy foundation."
    • "What kind of powder do you use?"

3. Gunpowder

  • Definition: This is the historical meaning. It refers to the mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter used for making explosives.
  • Examples:
    • “The pirate loaded the cannon with powder.” (though this usage is less common now)
    • "The cave was filled with ancient powder."

4. (Figurative) A Feeling or Emotion

  • Definition: Occasionally, "powder" is used figuratively to describe a feeling of excitement, anticipation, or sometimes a bit of nervousness. This is less common.
  • Examples:
    • "He felt a little powder in his stomach before the interview." (nervous excitement)
    • "A wave of powder washed over her when she saw him." (overwhelmed joy)

5. Botanical (Plants)

  • Definition: Certain plants produce powdery substances.
  • Examples:
    • "The poppy produces a vibrant red powder." (the pigment that gives the flower its color)
    • "The fern reproduces through spores – tiny powders."

Here’s a handy table summarizing the different uses:

Meaning Description Example
Fine Substance Small, dry particles "Sprinkle powder on the cake"
Makeup Powder Setting and mattifying makeup "Apply a dusting of powder"
Gunpowder Explosive mixture "Loaded the cannon with powder"
Figurative Feeling Excitement, anticipation "A wave of powder washed over her"
Botanical Plant pigment, spores "The poppy produces a vibrant powder"

Tips for Using "Powder" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "powder" is almost always clear from the surrounding words.
  • Consider the audience: Using “makeup powder” in a historical context might be confusing.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say that you want to use the word "powder" in?

Synonyms for the word powder

Idioms of the word powder

keep your powder dry
(old-fashioned)to remain ready for a possible emergency
    take a powder
    (North American English, informal)to leave suddenly; to run away

      Practice with vocabulary powder

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. The chemist carefully measured the white __________ to ensure the exact concentration for the solution.
      2. After the rock was crushed, it was refined into a fine __________ before being used in the manufacturing process.
      3. The antique furniture was covered in a thick layer of __________ after years of being stored in the attic.
      4. To sweeten the beverage without adding too much bulk, we used artificial sweeteners in __________ form.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. Which of the following terms describes a substance composed of very fine, dry particles? (A) liquid (B) powder (C) gel (D) foam

      2. To transform solid ingredients into a fine, particulate state, one might __________ them. (A) liquefy (B) solidify (C) pulverize (D) condense

      3. Which common baking ingredient is essential for making cakes and bread rise? (A) baking soda (B) baking powder (C) cornstarch (D) granulated sugar

      4. The chef carefully arranged the delicate chocolate __________ on top of the dessert for garnish. (A) flakes (B) chunks (C) blocks (D) slices

      5. A thin __________ of oil developed on the surface of the pond, reflecting the sunlight. (A) crust (B) sheet (C) film (D) vapor

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The old ceramic vase was so fragile that it disintegrated into tiny particles when it fell. (Rewrite using "powder" or a related form)
      2. She applied a light layer of cosmetic to her face to reduce shine and create a smooth finish. (Rewrite using "powder" or a related form)
      3. After the demolition, a substantial amount of fine, dry material covered the entire street. (Rewrite without using "powder")

      Answer:

      Exercise 1:

      1. powder
      2. powder
      3. dust
      4. granulated

      Exercise 2:

      1. (B) powder
      2. (C) pulverize
      3. (B) baking powder
      4. (A) flakes
      5. (C) film

      Exercise 3:

      1. The old ceramic vase was so fragile that it disintegrated into powder when it fell.
      2. She powdered her face to reduce shine and create a smooth finish. (Alternatively: She applied face powder to her face to reduce shine and create a smooth finish.)
      3. After the demolition, a substantial amount of debris covered the entire street. (Alternatively: ...a substantial amount of dust covered the entire street.)

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