Dust

Definition

Dust is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to fine, dry particles of matter found in the air or accumulated on surfaces. As a verb, it means to remove dust from a surface or to sprinkle a light amount of powder over something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dʌst/
• Respelling: DUST

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dʌst/
• Respelling: DUST

Etymology

The word "dust" originates from the Old English "dust," meaning "fine particles or powder," and is related to similar words in Old High German "dunst" (mist) and Old Norse "dust" (storm). It has maintained its general meaning of fine particles over time.

Derivatives

• Duster (noun)
• Dusty (adjective)
• Dusting (noun/verb)
• Undusted (adjective)
• Dustless (adjective)

Synonyms

• Powder
• Debris
• Grime

Antonyms

• Cleanliness
• Purity
• Spotlessness

Usage

The term "dust" is often used to describe fine particles that settle on surfaces, as in "The furniture was covered in dust." It is also used as a verb meaning to clean by removing dust or to lightly sprinkle, as in "She dusted the shelves" or "He dusted the cake with sugar."

Related Terms

• Dirt: Unclean particles or matter on surfaces.
• Powder: Fine particles, often of a specific substance.
• Ash: The residue left after the combustion of materials.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Fine, dry particles of matter in the air or on surfaces: Refers to any tiny particles that accumulate on surfaces.
  • Example: "The room was filled with dust from the construction work."

Verb

• To remove dust from a surface: Describes the action of cleaning or clearing away dust.
  • Example: "She spent the morning dusting the shelves."
• To sprinkle a fine powder over something: Refers to the act of lightly coating something with a fine substance.
  • Example: "The chef dusted the dessert with powdered sugar."