mold1
- a hollow form or matrix for giving a particular shape to something in a molten or plastic state.
- the shape created or imparted to a thing by a mold.
- something formed in or on a mold: a mold of jelly.
- a frame on which something is formed or made.
- shape or form.
- a prototype, example, or precursor.
- a distinctive nature, character, or type: a person of a simple mold.
- Shipbuilding.
- a three-dimensional pattern used to shape a plate after it has been softened by heating.
- a template for a frame.
- Architecture.
- a molding.
- a group of moldings.
- to work into a required shape or form; shape.
- to shape or form in or on a mold.
- Metallurgy. to form a mold of or from, in order to make a casting.
- to produce by or as if by shaping material; form.
- to have influence in determining or forming: to mold the character of a child.
- to ornament with moldings.
Origin of mold1
mold2
- a growth of minute fungi forming on vegetable or animal matter, commonly as a downy or furry coating, and associated with decay or dampness.
- any of the fungi that produce such a growth.
- to become or cause to become overgrown or covered with mold.
Origin of mold2
mold3
- loose, friable earth, especially when rich in organic matter and favorable to the growth of plants.
- British Dialect. ground; earth.
Origin of mold3
Examples from the Web for mould
Contemporary Examples
Tyler seems determined to force every line of his lengthy and detailed narrative into a mould that illustrates his basic theory.
Historical Examples
Then he melted the dust and poured the hot liquid into a mould the shape of a blade.
Opera Stories from WagnerFlorence Akin
Then like a mass of jelly out of its mould I plopped onto my chair.
It Happened in EgyptC. N. Williamson
You can stand upon the door-step,' said Mould, 'and take a look at him.
Life And Adventures Of Martin ChuzzlewitCharles Dickens
Mr Mould and his men had not exaggerated the grandeur of the arrangements.
Life And Adventures Of Martin ChuzzlewitCharles Dickens
The partner of his life, and daughters twain, were Mr Mould's companions.
Life And Adventures Of Martin ChuzzlewitCharles Dickens
mould1
US mold
- a shaped cavity used to give a definite form to fluid or plastic material
- a frame on which something may be constructed
- something shaped in or made on a mould
- shape, form, design, or pattern
- specific nature, character, or typeheroic mould
- to make in a mould
- to shape or form, as by using a mould
- to influence or directto mould opinion
- to cling tothe skirt moulds her figure
- metallurgy to make (a material such as sand) into a mould that is used in casting
Word Origin
mould2
US mold
- a coating or discoloration caused by various saprotrophic fungi that develop in a damp atmosphere on the surface of stored food, fabrics, wallpaper, etc
- any of the fungi that causes this growth
- to become or cause to become covered with this growth
Word Origin
mould3
US mold
- loose soil, esp when rich in organic matter
- poetic the earth
Word Origin
mold
- the US spelling of mould 1
Word Origin and History for mould
chiefly British English spelling of mold in various senses. Related: Moulded; moulding.
mold
n.1
also mould, "hollow shape," c.1200, originally "fashion, form; nature, native constitution, character," metathesized from Old French modle "model, plan, copy; way, manner" (12c., Modern French moule), from Latin modulum (nominative modulus) "measure, model," diminutive of modus "manner" (see mode (1)). From c.1300 as "pattern or model by which something is shaped or made." To break the mold "render impossible the creation of another" is from 1560s.
mold
n.2
also mould, "furry fungus," early 15c., probably from moulde, past participle of moulen "to grow moldy" (early 13c.), related to Old Norse mygla "grow moldy," possibly from Proto-Germanic *(s)muk- indicating "wetness, slipperiness," from PIE *meug- (see mucus). Or it might have evolved from (or been influenced by) Old English molde "loose earth" (see mold (n.3)).
mold
n.3
also mould, "loose earth," Old English molde "earth, sand, dust, soil; land, country, world," from Proto-Germanic *mulda (cf. Old Frisian molde "earth, soil," Old Norse mold "earth," Middle Dutch moude, Dutch moude, Old High German molta "dust, earth," Gothic mulda "dust"), from PIE root *mele- "to rub, grind" (see meal (n.2)). Specifically, since late (Christian) Old English, "the earth of the grave."
mold
v.
also mould, mid-14c., "to mix, blend;" late 14c. "to knead, shape," from mold (n.1). Figurative sense (of character, etc.) is from c.1600. Related: Molded; molding.
mold
- Any of various fungi that often form a fuzzy growth (called a mycelium) on the surface of organic matter. Some molds cause food to spoil, but others are beneficial, such as those used to make certain cheeses and those from which antibiotics like penicillin are developed. The molds do not form a distinct phylogenetic grouping but belong to various phyla including the ascomycetes and the zygomycetes. See also slime mold.