noun / verb
dust
DUHST/dʌst/
Fine dry particles scattered on a surface.
Gray dust coats the wooden shelf except for a broad wiped streak.
Etymology
Old English dust already named fine, dry particles light enough for wind to carry. The modern sense preserves that physical meaning, focusing here on the particles that settle on surfaces.
In context
dust that kicks up from the sand is something you don't want to be breathing in
More examples
- A thin layer of dust covers the old books.
- She dusts the furniture with a soft cloth.
- I dust the cake with powdered sugar.
Forms
dust · dusts · dusted · dusting
dusty adjective — Covered with or full of dust.
duster noun — A tool used to remove dust.