mold
mold Lexical Profile
mold Game Scores & Validity
• noun
American A hollow container used to give shape to molten or hot liquid material (such as wax, metal, plaster, or gelatin) when it cools and hardens.
"The sculptor poured the molten bronze carefully into the clay mold."
American A woolly or furry growth of microscopic fungi that forms on damp or decaying organic matter, such as stale bread, fruit, or wet walls.
American A distinctive and typical style, form, or character, especially one that serves as a model or standard.
"She is an innovative leader who truly breaks the traditional corporate mold."
American Soft, loose, friable earth or topsoil that is rich in organic matter and decayed leaves, well suited for cultivating plants.
"The gardener enriched the flower beds with dark leaf mold from the forest floor."
• verb
American To form or shape a malleable substance into a particular object or figure, either by kneading with the hands or by pressing into a container.
"The children used their hands to mold the soft clay into small bowls."
American To influence or guide the development, character, or opinions of a person or institution.
"Great teachers help mold the intellect and character of their students."
American To become covered or spoiled with fungal growth due to dampness or decay.
"If you pack the tent away while it is still wet, the canvas will quickly mold."
Word Nuance & Usage
Spelled "mold" in American English and "mould" in British and Commonwealth English across all senses (hollow form, fungus, and soil).
• Rhymes for mold
Word Origin & Etymology
represents a convergence of three distinct etymological roots: the sense of a hollow form or pattern comes from Old French 'modle' (from Latin 'modulus', meaning 'small measure'); the fungal sense likely derives from Middle English 'moulen' (to grow mildewed, related to Old Norse 'mugla'); and the soil sense comes from Old English 'molde' (earth or dust).