Pulverulent

Pulverulent describes something that is composed of or covered with a fine powder or dust. It evokes an image of particles easily dispersed, often through touch or air movement. This descriptor can be applied to a variety of substances, from natural geological formations to manufactured products, highlighting a characteristic of fineness and dryness. It suggests a texture that is easily crushed or crumbled, releasing a delicate, almost ephemeral cloud of particles. The term often implies a lack of cohesion and a tendency towards scattering, capturing a sense of fragility and impermanence in the object or substance it modifies. This granular quality is a key aspect of the term's meaning.

Pulverulent meaning with examples

• The ancient tomb revealed a pulverulent sarcophagus; years of decay transformed the once-sturdy stone into a fine, gritty powder that coated the explorers' hands. Touching the artifact was like holding history itself, reduced to its basic elements. They carefully brushed away the dust.
• In the arid desert, the wind whipped up a pulverulent haze from the dunes, obscuring the horizon and creating a shimmering, ethereal atmosphere. Navigating through the thick cloud of sand proved to be a challenging feat of endurance and skill for the traveler.
• The neglected bookshelf contained a collection of books with pulverulent covers, their surfaces covered with a fine layer of dust that spoke of years of undisturbed solitude. As each book was removed, the dust billowed in silent protest, adding a bittersweet feeling.
• The artist used pulverulent charcoal to create a soft, textured effect on the canvas, carefully blending the fine particles to achieve subtle gradations of tone. The resulting artwork appeared to have a fragile, delicate aesthetic which showed beauty through simplicity.
• After the volcanic eruption, a pulverulent ash blanketed the landscape, covering everything in a gray, powdery shroud that muted the colors of the world. The scene was a portrait of destruction and rebirth, a reminder of nature's power.