Mold
/moʊld/
Definitions
4 meaningsA type of fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae.
/moʊld/
A furry growth of fungi on decaying organic matter.
The damp basement was filled with the smell of mold.
💡 Simply: Mold is like a tiny plant that grows on things, especially when they're wet and old. Imagine you leave a slice of bread out for too long, and then fuzzy green stuff starts to grow. That's mold!
👶 For kids: Mold is yucky stuff that grows on food or in wet places. It's like a tiny plant that we can't eat!
More Examples
Mold can cause allergic reactions in some people.
The scientist examined a sample of mold under a microscope.
How It's Used
"The scientist studied the different types of mold found in damp environments."
"There was mold growing on the old bread in the pantry."
A cavity or matrix into which a substance is poured or pressed to give it a specific shape.
/moʊld/
A hollow form used to shape something.
The sculptor used a mold to create the statue's intricate details.
💡 Simply: A mold is like a special container that gives something its shape. Like when you make cookies and use a cookie cutter – the cookie cutter is a kind of mold!
👶 For kids: A mold is a shape that you pour something into, like when you make a shape with Play-Doh!
More Examples
The chocolate was poured into a mold shaped like a bunny.
The factory uses molds to mass-produce various plastic parts.
How It's Used
"The factory used a metal mold to create the plastic toys."
"She poured the cake batter into a heart-shaped mold."
To shape or form something, typically in a mold or using some external force.
/moʊld/
To shape or form something.
The blacksmith molded the hot metal into the shape of a sword.
💡 Simply: To mold something means to give it a specific shape. Like when you play with Play-Doh and make it into a snake or a car, you're molding it!
👶 For kids: When you mold something, you make it into a special shape, like when you make a snake with Play-Doh!
More Examples
His experiences helped to mold him into the person he is today.
The children molded the clay into animals.
How It's Used
"The artist molded the clay into a beautiful sculpture."
"The experiences of youth can mold a person's character."
To decay or become covered with mold.
/moʊld/
The food in the fridge began to mold because it was left for too long.
💡 Simply: When things mold, it's like the fuzzy green stuff starts to grow on them. Like when you leave food out too long, and it starts to get moldy!
👶 For kids: When something molds, it gets fuzzy yucky stuff on it!
More Examples
The damp wood molded due to lack of ventilation.
The damp clothes were beginning to mold in the hamper.
How It's Used
"The bread began to mold in the humid environment."
"Old ideas can sometimes mold if they're not rethought."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
break the mold
To do something completely new or different; to be innovative.
"The artist's new style broke the mold of traditional painting."
From Old English molde, related to the verb 'melt' and meaning something that shapes or forms, or, a growth of fungi.
Historically, 'mold' has been used since the Old English period, initially referring to the substance or earth, and later to the fungal growth and the form used in shaping materials.