mildew

[ mil-doo, -dyoo ]

noun

1. Plant Pathology. a disease of plants, characterized by a cottony, usually whitish coating on the surface of affected parts, caused by any of various fungi.
2. any of these fungi. Compare downy mildew, powdery mildew.
3. any of similar coatings or discolorations, caused by fungi, as that which appears on fabrics, paper, leather, etc., when exposed to moisture.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to affect or become affected with mildew.

mildew

/ ˈmɪlˌdjuː /

noun

1. any of various diseases of plants that affect mainly the leaves and are caused by parasitic fungi See also downy mildew powdery mildew
2. any fungus causing this kind of disease
3. another name for mould 2

verb

1. to affect or become affected with mildew

mildew

/ mĭl′do̅o̅′ /

1. Any of various fungi or oomycete organisms that form a white or grayish coating on surfaces, such as plant leaves, cloth, or leather, especially under damp, warm conditions. Powdery mildews are important plant diseases usually caused by ascomycete fungi, while downy mildews, including a serious disease of grapevines, are caused by oomycetes.

Derived Forms

• ˈmilˌdewy, adjective

Other Words From

• mildewy adjective
• un·mildewed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mildew¹

before 1000; Middle English: honeydew, mildew; Old English mildēaw, equivalent to mil- honey (cognate with Gothic milith, akin to Latin mel, Greek méli ) + dēaw dew

Word History and Origins

Origin of mildew¹

Old English mildēaw, from mil- honey (compare Latin mel, Greek mēli ) + dēaw dew

Example Sentences

I spent Tuesday scrubbing any traces of mildew off the floors and consulting with my landlords about getting a professional in here to assess the water damage inside the ceilings and walls.

From Slate

The shower is literally in the middle of the room, which could only work specifically for this space — you have space, it’s not going to get everything wet, it’s not going to cover everything in mildew.

From Los Angeles Times

They found that the residents were exposed to five other pesticides including 1,3-dichloropropene, also known as 1,3-D, a pesticide used to eradicate parasitic worms that has been banned in more than 20 countries, and penthiopyrad, a fungicide used to prevent mold and mildew that has not yet been studied for its effect on mammals, so the human impact is unknown.

From Los Angeles Times

Last month, inspectors found what appeared to be mold and mildew around the hand-washing sinks used by workers preparing ready-to-eat meats, CBS News reported.

From Salon

New records released by the department reveal that inspectors faulted Boar's Head several times for mold or mildew building up throughout the site of the plant.

From Salon

Related Words

• blight
• mold