mildew
UK: ˈmɪldjuː | US: ˈmɪlduː
n. a thin, whitish coating or discoloration caused by fungi, especially on plants or organic materials.
v. to affect or become affected with mildew.
mildew = mil<honey> + dew<moisture>
- mil<honey>: From Old English milde, meaning "honey" (related to sweetness or sticky substances).
- dew<moisture>: From Old English dēaw, meaning "moisture" or "condensation."
Etymology Origin:
The word "mildew" originated in Old English as mildeaw, combining mil (honey) and dew (moisture). It originally described a sticky, honey-like substance caused by dampness, later evolving to refer specifically to fungal growth. The connection to "honey" reflects the appearance of early mildew, which resembled a sugary or sticky deposit. Over time, the meaning narrowed to its current fungal sense.
The damp basement walls were covered in mildew.
If you don’t dry the laundry properly, it might mildew.
The gardener sprayed the roses to prevent mildew.
Old books stored in humid conditions often develop mildew.
The musty smell was caused by mildew growing on the curtains.