flour

 
Pronunciation: /ˈflaʊə/

noun

[mass noun]
  • a powder obtained by grinding grain, typically wheat, and used to make bread, cakes, and pastry.
  • fine, soft powder obtained by grinding the seeds or roots of starchy vegetables: manioc flour

verb

[with object]
  • 1sprinkle (something, especially a work surface or cooking utensil) with a thin layer of flour.
  • 2US grind (grain) into flour.

Origin:

Middle English: a specific use of flower in the sense 'the best part', used originally to mean 'the finest quality of ground wheat'. The spelling flower remained in use alongside flour until the early 19th century