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dust

Definition

  • noun: fine dry powder that builds up inside buildings on surfaces that have not recently been cleaned
  • noun: fine particles of matter (as of earth)
  • verb: to make (something) clean by brushing or wiping dirt and dust from the surface
  • verb: to make 'dusty'
  • often + 'off' or 'down'
  • synonyms: levigate, dirt, powder

Examples

  • ('US') He stood up and 'dusted himself off'. = ('Brit') He stood up and 'dusted himself down'. [=he brushed the dirt/dust off his clothes]

  • The police 'dusted' the table for fingerprints. [=they put a fine powder on the table so that any fingerprints could be seen]

  • I'll call you 'as soon as the dust settles' from the move. [=as soon as I am not busy with moving]

Movie quotes

  • (..) WHARTON: Hey! Hey! Be careful with that. That's fragile. Hey. Hey! What's it now? What's it now? Moving day? Y'all wanna come in here and dust a little? You can shine my knob for me while you're at it. You can come in here on your legs... ...but you'll go out on your backs. Billy the Kid gonna (..)
    1999 The Green Mile