Musty: meaning, definitions and examples
๐๏ธ
musty
[ หmสsti ]
smell, dampness
The term 'musty' refers to a stale, moldy, or damp smell that is often associated with old or neglected spaces. It's generally used to describe the scent of environments that have been closed off and lack proper ventilation. A musty odor can be a sign of mold or mildew growth, which is typically a result of excess moisture. In literature, 'musty' can evoke a sense of age and decay, creating imagery of forgotten places that are steeped in history. The word often carries negative connotations about cleanliness and freshness.
Synonyms
damp, fusty, moldy, stale, stuffy
Examples of usage
- The basement had a musty smell that made me feel uneasy.
- After years of disuse, the room was filled with musty air.
- The old book had a musty aroma that took me back in time.
Translations
Translations of the word "musty" in other languages:
๐ต๐น fedorento
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคกเคผเคพเคเคง
๐ฉ๐ช muffig
๐ฎ๐ฉ lembab
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะฐัั ะปะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ stฤchลy
๐ฏ๐ต ใใณ่ญใ
๐ซ๐ท moisi
๐ช๐ธ mustio
๐น๐ท nemli
๐ฐ๐ท ์ถ์ถํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุนูู
๐จ๐ฟ mufovรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ mufovรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๅ้็
๐ธ๐ฎ vlaลพen
๐ฎ๐ธ rakanlegur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะปาะฐะป
๐ฌ๐ช แแฃแฆแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mรถhkษm
๐ฒ๐ฝ mohoso
Word origin
The word 'musty' dates back to early Middle English, specifically derived from the Old French term 'must,' which referred to a fermented substance, typically wine. Its roots can be traced further to the Latin word 'mustum,' meaning 'new wine' or 'juice of grapes.' Over time, the connotation shifted from the freshness of new wine to the unpleasant smell associated with decay and neglect. The evolution of 'musty' closely relates to human experiences with dampness and mildew in enclosed spaces, which would often foster mold growth. By the late 15th century, 'musty' was used in English to describe both physical spaces and intangible feelings, creating a direct association with age, neglect, and the passage of time. This historical background reflects a cultural awareness of hygiene and environmental conditions, emphasizing the human sensitivity to smell and the psychological impacts of space.