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

US defender Chastain vividly remembers the conditions - "the water dripping from the ceiling, the mildew - you can smell it".

From BBC

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

Inmates complained of rats and cockroaches in their cells and food, and inspectors said they saw mildew on ceilings, showers and in cells.

From Los Angeles Times

All regions suffered from factors ranging from droughts and floods to water shortages and unexpected mildews.

From Salon

Related Words

• blight
• mold