mildewy

The old book in the attic had a mildewy smell.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Affected with or covered by mildew: "mildewy" describes something that has been damaged or marked by a fungal growth called mildew, typically appearing as a white, gray, or blackish powdery or downy coating on organic matter, especially in damp conditions. - The bread was left in a moist cupboard and became mildewy. (The bread developed a fungal coating due to moisture.) 2. Having a musty or stale smell or appearance: "mildewy" can also refer to an odor or visual quality associated with mildew, often implying age, neglect, or dampness. - The old basement had a mildewy smell that lingered for hours. (The basement smelled musty and damp, like mildew.)

Usage Examples

• (The towels were covered with mildew because they were left damp.)
• (The cheese had visible mold growth due to improper storage.)
• (The pages were damaged by fungal growth from high humidity.)

Advanced Usage

• "mildewy atmosphere": a figurative use to describe a place or situation that feels stagnant, decayed, or morally corrupt.
  • The mildewy atmosphere of the corrupt government office discouraged any reform. (The environment felt decayed and unhealthy, like mildew.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mildew (noun): the fungal growth itself, or the condition of being affected by it.
  • The mildew on the bathroom ceiling needed to be cleaned with bleach. (The fungal stain on the ceiling.)
• Mildewed (adjective): another form meaning affected with mildew; often used interchangeably with "mildewy."
  • The mildewed curtains were replaced after the flood. (The curtains were damaged by mildew.)

Synonyms

• Moldy: covered with mold, a similar fungal growth.
  • The moldy bread was inedible. (The bread was covered with mold.)
• Musty: having a stale, damp smell, often associated with mildew.
  • The musty attic smelled of old newspapers. (The attic had a stale, damp odor.)
• Fusty: smelling stale and stuffy, typically from lack of fresh air.
  • The fusty old library had a mildewy scent. (The library smelled stale and damp.)

Related Idioms

• (as) mildewy as a cellar: a simile meaning extremely damp and musty.
  • After the rain, the tent was as mildewy as a cellar. (The tent was very damp and smelled moldy.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Go mildewy: to become covered with mildew over time.
  • The leftover fruit went mildewy in the fridge. (The fruit developed mildew because it was forgotten.)