MILDEW
mildew
(noun) a fungus that produces a superficial (usually white) growth on organic matter
mildew, mold, mould
(noun) the process of becoming mildewed
mold, mildew
(verb) become moldy; spoil due to humidity; “The furniture molded in the old house”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
mildew (uncountable)
(plant disease) A growth of minute powdery or webby fungi, whitish or of different colors, found on various diseased or decaying substances.
Verb
mildew (third-person singular simple present mildews, present participle mildewing, simple past and past participle mildewed)
(transitive) To taint with mildew.
(intransitive) To become tainted with mildew.
Source: Wiktionary
Mil"dew, n. Etym: [AS. meledeáw; akin to OHG. militou, G. mehlthau,
mehltau; prob. orig. meaning, honeydew; cf. Goth. milip honey. See
Mellifluous, and Dew.] (Bot.)
Definition: A growth of minute powdery or webby fungi, whitish or of
different colors, found on various diseased or decaying substances.
Mil"dew, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mildewed; p. pr. & vb. n. Mildewing.]
Definition: To taint with mildew.
He... mildews the white wheat. Shak.
Mil"dew, v. i.
Definition: To become tainted with mildew.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition