dust
dust Lexical Profile
dust Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth, waste matter, or other solid substances lying on the ground, resting on surfaces, or carried in the air.
"A thick layer of dust had settled over the antique furniture in the attic."
The mortal remains of a human body after decay or cremation, or the earth as a symbol of mortality and lowliness.
"The ancient poet wrote that all empires eventually return to dust."
British Household rubbish, ashes, or refuse awaiting collection.
"The municipal workers collected the dust from the bins early in the morning."
• verb
To remove fine dirt or powder from the surface of an object or room by wiping, brushing, or flicking.
"He took a microfiber cloth to dust the bookshelves before the guests arrived."
To cover or sprinkle a surface lightly with a fine powder, such as sugar, flour, or agricultural chemicals.
"Allow the pastry to cool completely before you dust it with powdered sugar."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a verb, 'dust' is a classic auto-antonym (contranym) that can mean either to remove fine particles from a surface (e.g., 'dust the bookshelves') or to apply a fine powder onto a surface (e.g., 'dust the cake with sugar').
• Rhymes for dust
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'dūst', originating from Proto-Germanic '*dunstaz' (meaning mist, vapor, or dust), ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root '*dheu-' (to rise in a cloud, as smoke or dust).