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mold

noun (1)
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\ ˈmōld How to pronounce mold (audio) \
plural molds

Definition of mold

 (Entry 1 of 6)

1a : a cavity in which a substance is shaped: such as
(1) : a matrix for casting metal a bullet mold
(2) : a form in which food is given a decorative shape
b : a molded object
2a : prototype
b : a fixed pattern : design
c obsolete : an example to be followed
3 : distinctive nature or character : type
4 : the frame on or around which an object is constructed
5 : molding

mold

verb (1)
molded; molding; molds

Definition of mold (Entry 2 of 6)

transitive verb

1 : to knead or work (a material, such as dough or clay) into a desired consistency or shape
2 : to form in a mold mold candles
3 : to determine or influence the quality or nature of mold public opinion
4 : to give shape to the wind molds the waves
5 : to fit the contours of fitted skirts that mold the hips
6 : to ornament with molding or carving molded picture frames

mold

noun (2)
plural molds

Definition of mold (Entry 3 of 6)

1 : a superficial often woolly growth produced especially on damp or decaying organic matter or on living organisms by a fungus (as of the order Mucorales)
2 : a fungus that produces mold

mold

verb (2)
molded; molding; molds

Definition of mold (Entry 4 of 6)

intransitive verb

: to become moldy

mold

noun (3)
plural molds

Definition of mold (Entry 5 of 6)

1 : crumbling soft friable earth suited to plant growth : soil especially : soil rich in humus — compare leaf mold
2 dialectal British
a : the surface of the earth : ground
b : the earth of the burying ground
3 archaic : earth that is the substance of the human body Be merciful, great Duke, to men of mold.— William Shakespeare

Mold

geographical name
\ ˈmōld How to pronounce Mold (audio) \

Definition of Mold (Entry 6 of 6)

town in northeastern Wales south-southwest of Liverpool, England population 10,000

Other Words from mold

Verb (1)

moldable \ ˈmōl-​də-​bəl How to pronounce Mold (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of mold

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1530, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for mold

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French molde, alteration of Old French modle, from Latin modulus, diminutive of modus measure — more at mete

Noun (2)

Middle English mowlde, perhaps alteration of mowle, from moulen to grow moldy, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Danish mul mold

Noun (3)

Middle English, from Old English molde; akin to Old High German molta soil, Latin molere to grind — more at meal

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Time Traveler for mold

Time Traveler

The first known use of mold was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Mold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mold. Accessed 16 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for mold

mold

noun
\ ˈmōld How to pronounce mold (audio) \

Kids Definition of mold

 (Entry 1 of 5)

1 : a hollow form in which something is shaped Make a candle by pouring wax in a mold.
2 : something shaped in a mold a mold of gelatin

mold

verb
molded; molding

Kids Definition of mold (Entry 2 of 5)

1 : to work and press into shape We learned how to mold clay.
2 : to shape in a hollow form
3 : to influence or affect the character of Parents try to mold their children into responsible adults.

mold

noun

Kids Definition of mold (Entry 3 of 5)

1 : an often fuzzy surface growth of fungus on damp or decaying material
2 : a fungus that forms mold

mold

verb
molded; molding

Kids Definition of mold (Entry 4 of 5)

: to become moldy The old bread began to mold.

mold

noun

Kids Definition of mold (Entry 5 of 5)

: light rich crumbly earth that contains decaying material

mold

noun
variants: or chiefly British mould \ ˈmōld How to pronounce mold (audio) \

Medical Definition of mold

 (Entry 1 of 4)

: a cavity in which a fluid or malleable substance is shaped

mold

transitive verb
variants: or chiefly British mould

Medical Definition of mold (Entry 2 of 4)

: to give shape to especially in a mold

mold

intransitive verb
variants: or chiefly British mould

Medical Definition of mold (Entry 3 of 4)

: to become moldy

mold

noun
variants: or chiefly British mould

Medical Definition of mold (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : a superficial often woolly growth produced by a fungus especially on damp or decaying organic matter or on living organisms
2 : a fungus (as of the order Mucorales) that produces mold

More from Merriam-Webster on mold

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mold

Nglish: Translation of mold for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of mold for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mold

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