dust

Dust is usually a noun meaning very small, dry particles of dirt, skin, pollen, or other matter that collect on surfaces or float in the air. It can also be a verb meaning to remove dust from something or to cover something lightly with a powder.

Common synonyms depend on context: dirt, grime, powder, particles, and debris. In informal expressions, leave someone in the dust means to advance far ahead of them. Bite the dust means to fail, break down, or die. In slang, dust can also refer to certain drugs, especially PCP, so context matters.

The word comes from Old English dūst and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.

1. A thick layer of dust covered the bookshelf.
   A thick layer of dust covered the bookshelf.
2. Please dust the furniture before the guests arrive.
   Please dust the furniture before the guests arrive.
3. Dust rose from the road as the truck passed.
   Dust rose from the road as the truck passed.
4. She dusted the cake with powdered sugar.
   She dusted the cake with powdered sugar.
5. Our new computer leaves the old one in the dust.
   Our new computer leaves the old one in the dust.
6. After years of heavy use, the old printer finally bit the dust.
   After years of heavy use, the old printer finally bit the dust.