mold Hear it!

mold1 definition

mold (mōld)

noun

  1. a pattern, hollow form, or matrix for giving a certain shape to something in a plastic or molten state
  2. a frame, shaped core, etc. on or around which something is modeled
  3. a pattern after which something is formed; model
  4. something formed or shaped in or on, or as if in or on, a mold; often, specif., a gelatin dessert, aspic, etc. so prepared
    1. the form or shape given by a mold
    2. form or shape in general
  5. distinctive character or nature men of his mold
  6. Archit. a molding or group of moldings

Etymology: ME moolde < OFr molle, earlier modle < L modulus: see module

transitive verb

  1. to make or shape in or on, or as if in or on, a mold
  2. to work into a certain form or shape; shape
  3. to have a strong or important influence on (public opinion, thought, etc.)
  4. to fit closely to the outline or contours of
  5. to ornament by or with molding
  6. to make a mold of or from in order to make a casting

Related Forms:

mold2 definition

mold (mōld)

noun

  1. a downy or furry growth on the surface of organic matter, caused by fungi, esp. in the presence of dampness or decay
  2. any fungus producing such a growth
  3. any plant disease, as snowmold, caused by such fungus

Etymology: ME moul, mowlde, mold, mildew < or akin to ON mygla < IE base *meug-, *meuk-: see meek; sp. prob. infl. by mold

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to make or become moldy

Etymology: < ME moulen (with unhistoric -d-

mold3 definition

mold (mōld)

noun

  1. loose, soft, easily worked soil, esp. when rich with decayed animal or vegetable matter and good for growing plants
  2. Archaic earth or ground

Etymology: ME mold < OE molde, dust, ground, earth, akin to Goth mulda < IE base *mel-, to rub away, grind > L molere, to grind, mill

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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break the mold155 years ago

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