dry powder

== English == === Etymology === The financial sense comes by metaphor from the sense of gunpowder kept dry to allow rapid loading of a firearm, as in the expression keep one's powder dry. === Noun === dry powder (countable and uncountable, plural dry powders) A powder found in a fire extinguisher that is expelled to smother the fire (in contrast with liquid types of extinguisher). A powder found in an inhaler that delivers a bronchodilator for antiasthmatic or antiemphysemic purposes (indications). (finance) Cash (or cash-like securities) kept in reserve in case of need. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see dry,‎ powder; especially, gunpowder kept dry to keep it from spoiling before use. ==== Derived terms ==== dry powder inhaler ==== Related terms ==== (stay prepared; maintain reserves): keep one's powder dry ==== Translations ====