pulveris

Pulveris is a term of Latin origin that appears chiefly in historical texts and pharmacological contexts. In classical Latin, pulveris is the genitive singular form of pulvis, meaning dust or powder. The word functions in phrases that describe material in powdered form or that designate a substance as a powder rather than in a solid lump.

In pharmacology, pulveris is encountered as a noun adjunct used to indicate a powdered preparation. Prescriptions or pharmacopoeial entries may use phrases such as pulveris ipecacuanhae to denote ipecac powder or other substances prepared as a powder for internal use. In this sense, pulveris signals a transformation of a substance into a finely divided, ground form intended for administration or compounding.

Today, pulveris is seen most often in historical or manuscript contexts rather than in contemporary, everyday medical language. Modern English pharmacology typically uses the words “powder” or “powdered” to convey the same meaning, with the Latin form appearing mainly in scholarly editions, translations, or traditional prescriptions. The term continues to appear in discussions of Latin terminology, pharmacognosy, or the study of old pharmacopeias.

Etymology and usage notes: pulveris comes from pulvis, “dust,” with the genitive ending -is. Its use reflects the long-standing practice of Latinizing recipe and formulation instructions in medicine and alchemy. See also powder, pulverization, and pharmacopoeia.