English Reference

Word

powdered

Phoneticspow·dered, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈpaʊdɝd/

UK/pˈaʊdəd/

Definition

adj. made into a very fine, dry dust. You often see this used for food or medicine that you mix with water.

adj. consisting of or reduced to a fine, dry substance of tiny particles. Participial adjective; typically used attributively before a noun.

Examples

“I use powdered milk for my coffee.”

“The recipe calls for two tablespoons of powdered sugar to be dusted over the cake once it cools.”

“In remote areas where refrigeration is unavailable, powdered vaccines provide a stable alternative that can be easily transported and reconstituted on-site.”

Examples

simple

“I use powdered milk for my coffee.”

contextual

“The recipe calls for two tablespoons of powdered sugar to be dusted over the cake once it cools.”

complex

“In remote areas where refrigeration is unavailable, powdered vaccines provide a stable alternative that can be easily transported and reconstituted on-site.”

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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