Definitionen
1.NounA powder found in a fire extinguisher that is expelled to smother the fire (in contrast with liquid types of extinguisher).
2.NounA powder found in an inhaler that delivers a bronchodilator for antiasthmatic or antiemphysemic purposes (indications).
3.NounCash (or cash-like securities) kept in reserve in case of need."Private equity firms were sitting on more than $1 trillion in dry powder at the end of 2011."
4.NounUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see dry, powder; especially, gunpowder kept dry to keep it from spoiling before use.