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Moldy vs Mildew - What's the difference?

moldy | mildew |

As an adjective moldy

is covered with mold.

As a noun mildew is

a growth of minute powdery or webby fungi, whitish or of different colors, found on various diseased or decaying substances.

As a verb mildew is

to taint with mildew.

moldy

English

Alternative forms

* mouldy (UK)

Adjective

(en-adj)
  • Covered with mold.
  • Stale or musty.

    • mildew

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • A growth of minute powdery or webby fungi, whitish or of different colors, found on various diseased or decaying substances.

    • See also

    * mould, mold

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To taint with mildew.
  • * 1605 , , (William Shakespeare), act 3 scene 4
    • He mildews the white wheat.
  • To become tainted with mildew.
  • * 1851 ,
    • His bald purplish head now looked for all the world like a mildewed skull.