- mildew
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—mildewy, adj./mil"dooh', -dyooh'/, n.1. Plant Pathol. a disease of plants, characterized by a cottony, usually whitish coating on the surface of affected parts, caused by any of various fungi.3. any of similar coatings or discolorations, caused by fungi, as that which appears on fabrics, paper, leather, etc., when exposed to moisture.v.t., v.i.4. to affect or become affected with mildew.[bef. 1000; ME: honeydew, mildew; OE mildeaw, equiv. to mil- honey (c. Goth milith, akin to L mel, Gk méli) + deaw DEW]
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Conspicuous mass of threadlike hyphae (see mycelium) and fruiting structures produced by various fungi (division Mycota; see fungus).Mildew grows on cloth, fibres, leather goods, and plants, using these substances as food for growth and reproduction. Downy mildew and powdery mildew are plant diseases that affect hundreds of species.* * *
▪ biologya conspicuous mass of threadlike hyphae and fruiting structures produced by various fungi (kingdom Fungi). It is associated with cloth, fibres, leather goods, and plant diseases ( downy mildew and powdery mildew [qq.v.]). The fungi use these substances as sources of food for growth and reproduction.* * *
Universalium. 2010.