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poudrer

to powder, to dust

verb poo-DREH Rare

Origin: From poudre (powder), from Latin pulvis (dust).

Usage Note

Poudrer means to apply powder to a surface — one can se poudrer le visage (to powder one's face) or poudrer un gâteau de sucre glace (to dust a cake with icing sugar). The reflexive se poudrer is a classic gesture associated with old-fashioned makeup rituals. The related noun la poudrière means a powder keg, used figuratively for a volatile situation.

Examples

"Elle se poudra rapidement avant de sortir."

Natural Translation

She quickly powdered her face before going out.

Literal Translation

she herself-powdered quickly before of going-out

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