Musty: meaning, definitions and examples

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musty

 

[ หˆmสŒsti ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น fedorento

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคกเคผเคพเค‚เคง

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช muffig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lembab

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐั‚ั…ะปะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ stฤ™chล‚y

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‹ใณ่‡ญใ„

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท moisi

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mustio

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท nemli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ถ•์ถ•ํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนูู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mufovรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mufovรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‘้œ‰็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vlaลพen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rakanlegur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‹ะปา“ะฐะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒฃแƒฆแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรถhkษ™m

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mohoso

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,683, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.