(blast, bläst) v.t.
1. To rend in pieces by or as by explosion.
2. To cause to wither or shrivel; destroy.
—noun
1. A strong or sudden wind.
2. Metall. The strong artificial current of air in a blast furnace.
3. The discharge of an explosive, or its effect.
4. The charge of dynamite or other explosive used in shattering rocks, as for a building foundation, tunnel, etc.
5. A loud, sudden sound, as of a trumpet.
6. A blight or blighting influence.
7. The draft of air near the muzzle of a cannon at its discharge.
8. Slang A party.
9. Slang An important or surprising event or occasion.
10. Slang A drink of hard liquor. See synonyms under RUPTURE.
—in blast In operation: said of a smelting furnace.
—at full blast At capacity operation or maximum speed. [OE blæst blowing. Akin to BLOW¹.]
—blast′er noun

Biol.
Growth; sprout: ameloblast. [<Gk. blastos bud]