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
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.
Example
The basement had a strong mildew smell due to the water damage.
Origins of mildew
from Old English 'meledēaw', meaning 'honeydew'
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.