pólvora

POHL-boh-rah/ˈpolboɾa/

“pólvora” means “gunpowder” in Spanish (explosive mixture).

gunpowder

Also: firework powder

Argentina/Uruguay

Los barcos antiguos llevaban barriles llenos de pólvora.

Ancient ships carried barrels full of gunpowder.

El aire olía a pólvora después de los fuegos artificiales.

The air smelled like gunpowder after the fireworks.

No gastes pólvora en chimangos; ese problema no tiene solución.

Don't waste your energy on something not worth it; that problem has no solution.

No haber inventado la pólvora – To not be very clever or to state something obvious as if it were new
Gastar pólvora en chimangos – To waste effort or resources on something that isn't worth it
Ser una pólvora – To be very quick-tempered or to explode with anger easily

Words that translate to "pólvora" in Spanish:

Question 1 of 1

If someone tells you 'No has inventado la pólvora,' what are they implying?

👥 Word Family▼

polvorín(powder magazine / explosive situation) — Noun

polvoriento(dusty) — Adjective

empolvar(to cover in powder/dust) — Verb

🎵 Rhymes▼

ahoraseñoraaurora

📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'pulvis,' which means 'dust' or 'powder.' Over time, it specifically came to describe the explosive powder used in weaponry.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: pólvoraItalian: polvere

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Can I use 'pólvora' for the powder I put on my face?

No. For makeup, you should use the word 'polvos' (usually in plural). 'Pólvora' is strictly for explosives.

Is 'pólvora' a masculine or feminine word?

It is feminine: 'la pólvora'.