Mildew
/ˈmɪl.dʒuː/noun
A fungal growth that forms on damp or decaying matter.
Did you know?The word 'mildew' combines 'mild' and 'dew,' hinting at its emergence in damp, temperate conditions, often associated with decay and rot—a magical transformation of life into death.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*meldō
“a form of decay or rot.”
Old English
OE
mildewe
“soft, damp growth; mildew.”
Middle English
ME
mildewe
“fungal growth on damp surfaces.”
Modern English
Eng
mildew
“the modern term for unwanted fungal growth.”