Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
noun
A powder found in a fire extinguisher that is expelled to smother the fire (in contrast with liquid types of extinguisher).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A powder found in an inhaler that delivers a bronchodilator for antiasthmatic or antiemphysemic purposes (indications).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Cash (or cash-like securities) kept in reserve in case of need.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: business, finance
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see dry, powder; especially, gunpowder kept dry to keep it from spoiling before use.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
The financial sense comes by metaphor from the sense of gunpowder kept dry to allow rapid loading of a firearm, as in the expression keep one's powder dry.
Across languages
1 source translations are retained for this English entry.
