dust
UK: dʌst | US: dʌst
n. fine, dry particles of matter, such as dirt or pollen, that settle on surfaces or float in the air
vt. to remove dust from a surface
vt. to sprinkle or cover lightly with a powdery substance
The word "dust" traces back to Old English dūst, meaning "fine, dry particles." It shares Proto-Germanic roots with Dutch duist (pollen) and German Dunst (vapor, haze). Originally, it described naturally occurring particulate matter, later extending to the action of cleaning or sprinkling. Its simplicity reflects its ancient, unbroken lineage in Germanic languages.
The old bookshelf was covered in a thick layer of dust.
She dusted the furniture every morning to keep the house clean.
The baker dusted the cake with powdered sugar.
Dust from the construction site made the air hazy.
After the sandstorm, everything in the village was coated with dust.