mildew

[ˈmaɪldjuː]

mildew Definition

a thin, furry, whitish coating on the surface of organic matter caused by fungi, especially in the presence of dampness and lack of light.

Using mildew: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mildew" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The bathroom walls were covered in mildew.

  • Example

    The damp conditions in the basement caused mildew to grow on the walls.

  • Example

    The old books in the library were damaged by mildew.

  • Example

    The shower curtain had mildew stains.

mildew Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for mildew

Phrases with mildew

  • a type of mildew that appears as a white or gray powder on the leaves, stems, and flowers of plants, caused by various fungi

    Example

    The rose bushes in the garden were infected with powdery mildew.

  • a type of mildew that appears as a yellowish or brownish downy growth on the undersurface of leaves and other plant parts, caused by various fungi

    Example

    The grapevines in the vineyard were affected by downy mildew.

  • a musty odor caused by the growth of mildew on damp surfaces

    Example

    The basement had a strong mildew smell due to the water damage.

Origins of mildew

from Old English 'meledēaw', meaning 'honeydew'

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Summary: mildew in Brief

Mildew [ˈmaɪldjuː] is a thin, furry, whitish coating caused by fungi on organic matter in damp and dark conditions. It can be found on various surfaces such as walls, books, and shower curtains. There are different types of mildew, including powdery and downy mildew, which affect plants. The musty odor caused by mildew growth is known as the mildew smell.