unmould
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To remove from a mold: "unmould" means to take something, such as a shaped substance (e.g., gelatin, plaster, or clay), out of the mold in which it was formed.
Usage Examples
- (The sculptor removed the plaster piece from its mold.)
- (Wait for the jelly to firm up, then take it out of the mold.)
- (She removed the cake from the baking pan or mold.)
Advanced Usage
- "to unmould a shape": to extract a formed object from its container or cast.
- The technician unmoulded the resin figure with precision to avoid cracks. (The technician removed the resin shape from the mold carefully.)
- "unmoulded" (past participle as adjective): referring to an object that has been removed from its mold.
- The unmoulded ceramic bowl still had rough edges. (The bowl had been taken out of the mold but needed finishing.)
Variants and Related Words
- Mould (n): a hollow container used to give shape to a liquid or soft substance.
- Pour the mixture into a mould and let it set. (Use a container to shape the substance.)
- Mould (v): to form something into a particular shape.
- She moulded the clay into a vase. (She shaped the clay.)
- Remould (v): to change the shape of something again, especially by using a mold.
- The tyre was remoulded to extend its life. (The tyre was reshaped or retreaded.)
Synonyms
- Demold: to remove from a mold (often used in industrial or culinary contexts).
- Allow the cheesecake to chill before demolding it. (Take it out of the mold.)
- Uncast: to release from a cast or mold.
- The metal was uncast after cooling. (Removed from the mold.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Unmould out: to remove something from a mold by turning it out.
- Gently unmould out the pudding by inverting the dish. (Turn the dish upside down to release the pudding.)
- Unmould from: to extract from a specific mold or container.
- She unmoulded the gelatin from the silicone tray. (She took the gelatin out of the silicone mold.)
Related Idioms
- Break the mold (not directly related but conceptually connected): to do something in a new or unconventional way.
- The artist broke the mold with her innovative sculptures. (She created something unique, not following traditional methods.)
- Out of the mold (idiomatic): describing something that has been formed and removed.
- The statue came out of the mold perfectly. (The statue was successfully unmoulded.)
Note: "Unmould" is a technical or specialized verb, most common in cooking (e.g., desserts, gelatin) and manufacturing (e.g., plastics, ceramics). It is less frequently used in everyday conversation.