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any of various powders used as a substitute for yeast in baking, composed of sodium bicarbonate mixed with an acid substance, as cream of tartar, capable of setting carbon dioxide free when the mixture is moistened, causing the dough to rise.
Contemporary Examples

When it came time to add the baking powder, my son asked what it was.
Why Now is Not the Time for New Sanctions on Iran Dylan Williams November 4, 2013

Place the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt on parchment or wax paper.
Make ‘The Chew’s’ Carla Hall’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Carla Hall December 27, 2014

Place the ground pecans, butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, and eggs in a large bowl and beat together until smooth.
Let Them Eat Cake! Lydia Brownlow May 7, 2011

In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder, and brown sugar.
Bacon Corn Muffins With Savory Cream-Cheese Frosting Brian Boitano August 24, 2009

Historical Examples

Sift together twice the flour, soda, baking powder and add to the molasses mixture.
Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking Unknown

Sift the baking powder and spices with the flour and add these.
Woman’s Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 4 Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences

Sift the flour, cocoa, soda, and baking powder together and add alternately with the milk.
Woman’s Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 4 Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences

More pounds of Calumet are sold than of any other brand of baking powder.
Common Science Carleton W. Washburne

Sift together flours, baking powder and salt; add molasses and shortening to liquid; beat well.
New Royal Cook Book Anonymous

Elizabetta made one this morning, but she forgot to put in the baking powder.
Jerry Jean Webster

noun
any of various powdered mixtures that contain sodium bicarbonate, starch (usually flour), and one or more slightly acidic compounds, such as cream of tartar: used in baking as a substitute for yeast
baking powder
(bā’kĭng)
A mixture of baking soda, a nonreactive filler (such as starch), and at least one slightly acidic compound (such as cream of tartar). Baking powder works as a leavening agent in baking by releasing carbon dioxide when mixed with a liquid, such as milk or water.