01 n. Fine, dry particles of earth or other matter, so comminuted that they may be raised and wafted by the wind; that which is crumbled to minut…
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1.
Fine, dry particles of earth or other matter, so comminuted that they may be raised and wafted by the wind; that which is crumbled to minute portions; fine powder; as, clouds of dust; bone dust.“Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” — Gen. iii. 19.“Stop! -- for thy tread is on an empire's dust.” — Byron.
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2.
A single particle of earth or other matter.[R.]
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3.
The earth, as the resting place of the dead.“For now shall sleep in the dust.” — Job vii. 21.
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4.
The earthy remains of bodies once alive; the remains of the human body.“And you may carve a shrine about my dust.” — Tennyson.
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5.
Figuratively, a worthless thing.“And by the merit of vile gold, dross, dust.” — Shak.
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6.
Figuratively, a low or mean condition.“[God] raiseth up the poor out of the dust.” — 1 Sam. ii. 8.
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7.
Gold dustSlang
Phrases & compounds
Down with the dust —
deposit the cash; pay down the money.
Dust brand —
a fungous plant (Ustilago Carbo); -- called also smut.
Gold dust —
fine particles of gold, such as are obtained in placer mining; -- often used as money, being transferred by weight.
In dust and ashes —
See under Ashes.
To raise dust —
to make a commotion.
To throw dust in one's eyes —
to mislead; to deceive.