Powderize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To reduce a substance into a fine, dry powder through grinding or crushing
2. to convert a solid material into a powdered form for various uses
3. to transform a bulk material into powder, enhancing its texture or usability in processes

Etymology: "Powderize" is a plain English formation: the noun "powder" with the verb-forming suffix "-ize," which came into English through Latin "-izare" and Greek "-izein," and which attaches readily to nouns to mean "to make into" or "to treat with." Put together, the word means exactly what it says, turning something into powder. The base noun "powder" has a longer and more tangled history. It was borrowed into Middle English from Old French "poudre," which descends from Latin "pulvis," meaning dust. The same Latin root gives English "pulverize," a close relative that reached English through a different route, which is why the two words look and sound so alike while meaning nearly the same thing.