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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

  • (..) - She's very persistent. And quite lovely, in case you were wondering. - I wasn't. - What are you doing? Examining print dust. We've been robbed. And this is your idea of, uh, sounding the alarm, is it? She took the pearls, tracking device and all. (..)
    2012 The Dark Knight Rises