GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Mildew , n. [AS. meledeáw; akin to OHG. militou, G. mehlthau, mehltau; prob. orig. meaning, honeydew; cf. Goth. milip honey. See Mellifluous, and Dew.] (Bot.) A growth of minute powdery or webby fungi, whitish or of different colors, found on various diseased or decaying substances.
   1913 Webster
   powdery mildew a fungal disease of plants caused by an ascomycete of the order Erysiphales, characterized by a powdery white film on the surface of the affected plants. It is damaging to, e.g., roses and lilacs. Also, a fungus that causes such a disease.
   PJC
   
         
       

2.       
   Mildew, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mildewed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Mildewing.] To taint with mildew; as, mildewed clothing.
   1913 Webster
   He . . . mildews the white wheat.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

3.       
   Mildew, v. i. To become tainted with mildew.
   1913 Webster