mildew

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: moldmould

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. the process of becoming mildewedSynonyms: moldmould
  2. a fungus that produces a superficial (usually white) growth on organic matter

Verb (1)

  1. become moldy; spoil due to humidity“The furniture molded in the old house”Synonyms: mold
Word of the day · Sep 28About this word
onerousadjective

What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz

Advertisement

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Mildew \Mil"dew\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mildewed; p. pr. & vb. n. Mildewing.] To taint with mildew; as, mildewed clothing. [1913 Webster]

He . . . mildews the white wheat. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Mildew \Mil"dew\, v. i. To become tainted with mildew. [1913 Webster]
Mildew \Mil"dew\, n. [AS. melede['a]w; akin to OHG. militou, G. mehlthau, mehltau; prob. orig. meaning, honeydew; cf. Goth. milip honey. See Mellifluous, and Dew.] (Bot.) A growth of minute powdery or webby fungi, whitish or of different colors, found on various diseased or decaying substances. [1913 Webster]

powdery mildew a fungal disease of plants caused by an ascomycete of the order Erysiphales, characterized by a powdery white film on the surface of the affected plants. It is damaging to, e.g., roses and lilacs. Also, a fungus that causes such a disease. [PJC]

Advertisement