mildew

/'mildju:/

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Word: Mildew

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Usage Instructions:

• Noun Usage: You can use "mildew" to describe the fungus itself or the condition of something affected by mildew.
• Verb Usage: Use "to mildew" when talking about the process of something becoming spoiled or moldy.

Examples:

• Noun: "There was mildew on the bathroom walls because of the humidity."
• Verb: "If you leave bread out in the open, it will mildew quickly."

Advanced Usage:

• Scientific Context: In biology, mildew refers specifically to certain types of fungi in the class Ascomycetes. It's important in agriculture and gardening, as it can affect plant health.

Word Variants:

• Mildewed (adjective): Something that has been affected by mildew. Example: "The mildewed clothes had to be washed again."
• Mildewing (verb - present participle): The ongoing process of something becoming mildewed. Example: "The damp basement is mildewing."

Different Meanings:

• While "mildew" primarily refers to a specific type of fungus, it can also refer more generally to any mold or fungus that forms in moist conditions.

Synonyms:

• Mold
• Fungus
• Spoilage

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "mildew," but you might hear phrases like "to let something go to waste," which can imply that something has spoiled or degraded over time.

Summary:

Mildew is a common issue caused by dampness, often seen in homes and on food.

Academic

Noun

1. a fungus that produces a superficial (usually white) growth on organic matter
2. the process of becoming mildewed

Verb

1. become moldy; spoil due to humidity
   • The furniture molded in the old house

Synonyms

• mold
• mould