dust  (dŭst) 
n. Fine, dry particles of matter. A cloud of fine, dry particles. Particles of matter regarded as the result of disintegration: fabric that had fallen to dust over the centuries. Earth, especially when regarded as the substance of the grave: "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" (Book of Common Prayer). The surface of the ground.
A debased or despised condition. Something of no worth. Chiefly British Rubbish readied for disposal. Confusion; agitation; commotion: won't go back in until the dust settles.
v.
dust·ed, dust·ing, dusts
v.
tr.
To remove dust from by wiping, brushing, or beating: dust the furniture. To sprinkle with a powdery substance: dusted the cookies with sugar; dust crops with fertilizer. To apply or strew in fine particles: dusted talcum powder on my feet. Baseball To deliver a pitch so close to (the batter) as to make the batter back away.
v.
intr.
To clean by removing dust. To cover itself with such particulate matter. Used of a bird.
Phrasal Verb(s):
dust offTo restore to use: dusted off last year's winter coat.
Idiom(s):
in the dustFar behind, as in a race or competition: a marketing strategy that left our competitors in the dust.
Idiom(s):
make the dust flyTo go about a task with great energy and speed.
[Middle English, from Old English dūst.] |
