mildew
Grayish moisture fungus
Mildew is a thin, fuzzy growth of fungus that appears on damp surfaces, particularly in warm, humid conditions.
It typically shows up as white, gray, or black patches on walls, fabrics, paper, leather, and plants.
Unlike its close relative mold, mildew tends to grow flat on surfaces rather than penetrating deeply.
The word also works as a verb: The basement flooded and everything mildewed.
Mildew carries connotations of neglect, staleness, and the musty smell that accompanies it.
Perceived atmospheric emission
attic · basement · closet · mothballs · vintage · aged · dusty · stuffy
Asexual reproductive bodies
- myceliumFungal filament network
- hyphaeFungal filamentous structures
- moldForm-giving container
- powderyReduced to fine particles
downy · aspergillus · penicillium · mycology · antifungal · fungicide · colonies · growth
Small amounts of liquid
- humidityMoisture in atmosphere
- condensationVapor turning to liquid
- dampnessMild presence of water
- wetnessState of being soaked
dankness · clamminess · waterlogged · seepage · ventilation · dehumidifier · bathrooms · basements
Altered surface pigmentation
- spotsDetects or marks
- blotchesIrregular patches of color
- bleachChemical stain and germ killer
- vinegarAcidic cooking liquid
hydrogen peroxide · scrubbing · fabric · grout · caulk · shower curtain · tile · canvas
Illness affecting vegetation
- cropsCultivated plants for harvest
- leavesTree's photosynthetic organs
- grapesClustered vine fruit
- rosesThorny flowering shrubs
squash · cucurbits · vineyards · horticulture · agriculture · infestation · fungicide · leaf spot
odor
Perceived atmospheric emission
old · attic · basement · closet · mothballs · vintage · aged · dusty · stuffy · earthy
spores
Asexual reproductive bodies
powdery · downy · aspergillus · penicillium · mycology · antifungal · fungicide · colonies · growth · spreading
moisture
Small amounts of liquid
- humidityMoisture in atmosphere
- condensationVapor turning to liquid
- dampnessMild presence of water
wetness · dankness · clamminess · waterlogged · seepage · ventilation · dehumidifier · bathrooms · basements · crawlspaces
discoloration
Altered surface pigmentation
vinegar · hydrogen peroxide · scrubbing · fabric · grout · caulk · shower curtain · tile · canvas · leather
plant disease
Illness affecting vegetation
roses · squash · cucurbits · vineyards · horticulture · agriculture · infestation · fungicide · leaf spot · wilting
- smellsmell, scent, odor, reek, aroma
- fungimushroom, mushrooms, toadstool, toadstools, yeast
- humidity effectsmold, rust, corrosion, condensation, fog
- laundry problemsstains, fading, wrinkles, lint, holes
- residueresidue, buildup, film, scum, grime
- bathroom grimemold, soap scum, hard water stains, lime scale, limescale
mildewfreshness
State of being unspoiled
cleanliness · purity · spotlessness · airiness · sterility
mildewdryness
Absence of moisture
aridity · desiccation · bone-dry · airiness · parched
mildewfreshness
State of being unspoiled
cleanliness · pristine · spotless · immaculate · sanitary
- mildew controlPreventing or eliminating damp-loving growths
- mildew smellFungal dampness odor
- powdery mildewFungal leaf disease
- mildew removerProduct eliminating damp fungus
- downy mildewParasitic plant pathogen