Mold Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mold
[məʊld ]
Definitions
in construction
A hollow form or matrix for shaping a fluid or plastic substance.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mold |
Typically used to refer to a hollow container used to shape a material, or a negative impression of an object. It can also refer to a growth of fungi in moist conditions.
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| mould |
British English spelling of 'mold' with the same meanings. It is also used to describe forming or shaping something or someone.
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| cast |
Used to describe the process of shaping an object by pouring liquid material into a mold then allowing it to harden. The word can also refer to the collective actors in a play or film.
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| template |
Refers to a pattern or guide used as a reference to create something consistently, often used in design, manufacturing, or documentation.
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Examples of usage
- She poured the concrete into the mold to create the statue.
- The mold for the bricks was made of metal.
biology
A furry growth of minute fungi occurring typically in moist warm conditions, especially on food or other organic matter.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mold |
Mold refers to a type of fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. It is commonly used to describe unwanted fungal growth in homes or buildings.
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| fungus |
Fungus is a general term used to describe a wide variety of organisms, including molds, yeasts, and mushrooms. It can be used in both scientific and everyday contexts.
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| mildew |
Mildew refers specifically to certain kinds of mold or fungus, typically with a flat growth pattern. It often appears on plants, damp fabrics, or in bathrooms.
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| mould |
Mould is the British English spelling of the word 'mold' and is used in the same contexts to describe unwanted fungal growth.
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Examples of usage
- The bread had started to grow mold.
- The cheese was covered in mold.
to shape
Form (an object) out of malleable material.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mold |
This word is often used when talking about creating something by pouring a liquid into a hollow container to give it a specific form. It can also refer to influencing the development of someone's character or behavior over time. Used with a slight negative connotation when talking about controlling someone's personality.
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| shape |
This word can be used in a broad sense when referring to giving structure to something, whether it's physical or abstract. It often implies the process of influencing or determining the development of something.
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| form |
This word is used generally when you are giving shape to something or creating an object or idea. It can also mean completing an official document.
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| sculpt |
This word is used when talking about carving or shaping a solid material like stone, wood, or clay into a work of art. It implies a more artistic or detailed activity.
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Examples of usage
- She molded the clay into a beautiful vase.
- The artist molded the sculpture out of bronze.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health and Safety
- Some types of mold can produce allergens, which may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Black mold, a type of toxic mold, can be harmful, making it important to address mold growth in homes quickly.
- Not all molds are harmful; some are used in food production, including cheese and fermented products.
Science
- Mold plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the soil.
- There are over 100,000 species of mold, both beneficial and harmful, showing its diversity in nature.
- Mold grows through spores that can travel through the air, which is why it can appear unexpectedly in homes.
Art and Culture
- The fungal patterns of mold have inspired artists, who explore the beauty of decay in their works.
- In ancient traditions, moldy bread was used in folk medicine, showcasing a historical understanding of its effects.
- Some modern art installations intentionally incorporate mold as a commentary on life cycles and decay.
Technology
- Bioengineering utilizes certain molds to produce antibiotics, showcasing their importance in medicine.
- Researchers are exploring the use of mold to create sustainable materials, aiming to reduce plastic waste.
- 3D printing technology has looked into molds made from fungi as a method for developing biodegradable packaging.
Origin of 'mold'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'mold' comes from the Old English word 'mald,' which means 'soft earth or soil'.
- In Old French, 'moule' refers to a form or shape, showing how the term evolved to describe shaping materials.
- The distinction between molds and mildew became clearer in the 19th century, reflecting scientific advancements in mycology.
The word 'mold' originated from the Old English word 'mold' or 'mould', which means loose earth or soil. The term later evolved to refer to a form for shaping material such as clay or metal. In the biological sense, mold comes from the Old English word 'molde', meaning loose earth. Over time, it came to be associated with the furry growth of fungi. The verb form of 'mold' comes from the Middle English word 'molden', meaning to shape or form.
See also: molded, molder, molding, moldmaker, smolder, unmolded.