dust

The word “dust” means fine, dry particles of dirt, skin, pollen, and other matter that settle on surfaces or float in the air. In plain terms, tiny dry particles that collect on surfaces, or the act of removing them / sprinkling a powder.

“Dust” is pronounced duhst (/dʌst/ in IPA).

Here is “dust” used in a sentence: “A thick layer of dust covered the old piano.”

Depending on how it is used, “dust” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “dust” comes from Old English. From Old English dūst, "dried earth reduced to powder," tracing back to a very old root meaning "to smoke" or "raise a haze" — the same root behind "dusk.".

“Dust” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Dust” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: fine, dry particles of dirt, skin, pollen, and other matter that settle on surfaces or float in the air.

Household dust is a mixture of fine particles from many sources. It typically includes dead skin cells, fabric and carpet fibres, pollen, soil tracked in from outside, pet dander, tiny fragments of insects, and dust mites with their waste. The exact blend varies from home to home.

Dust is made of very fine, dry, lightweight particles that float in the air and settle in thin layers on surfaces. Dirt is a broader term for soil, grime, and filth, usually heavier and coarser. All dust is a kind of fine dirt, but not all dirt is dust.

It can be. Everyday household dust may trigger allergies and asthma, largely because of the dust mites, pollen, and pet dander within it. Some workplace dusts — such as silica, wood, or asbestos dust — are far more dangerous and can cause serious lung disease with long-term exposure.

Dust comes from both inside and outside the home. Indoors, it sheds from skin, hair, fabrics, and paper. Outdoors, wind carries in soil, pollen, sand, soot, and even tiny particles from far away. These settle together, which is why dust keeps returning no matter how often you clean.