Definition

1. 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.