mildew Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the process of becoming mildewed
    mould; mold.
  2. noun a fungus that produces a superficial (usually white) growth on organic matter
  3. verb become moldy; spoil due to humidity
    mold.
    • The furniture molded in the old house

WordNet

Mil"dew noun
Etymology
AS. meledeáw; akin to OHG. militou, G. mehlthau, mehltau; prob. orig. meaning, honeydew; cf. Goth. milip honey. See Mellifluous, and Dew.
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) A growth of minute powdery or webby fungi, whitish or of different colors, found on various diseased or decaying substances.
Mil"dew transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Mildewed ; present participle & verbal noun Mildewing
Definitions
  1. To taint with mildew.
    He... mildews the white wheat. Shak.
Mil"dew intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To become tainted with mildew.

Webster 1913