From Old English 'dūst,' related to Proto-Germanic *dunstaz (vapor) — dust was earth fine enough to float like mist.
Fine dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter.
From Old English 'dūst' meaning 'dust, powdered earth,' from Proto-Germanic *dunstą, related to *dunstaz (vapor). Dust was earth so fine it becomes airborne, like mist. Key roots: *dunstą (Proto-Germanic: "dust, vapor").