molder
Rot away gradually
Molder means to decay slowly, crumbling into dust through gradual deterioration: The old books moldered in the attic.
It suggests neglect over time—things molder in basements, ruins molder in forgotten places.
Figuratively, ideas or talents can molder when unused: His ambitions moldered while he worked the dead-end job.
Spelled moulder in British English.
Break into simpler parts
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- crumbleFragment gradually
- deteriorateGrow worse over time
- putrefyDecompose with stench
disintegrate · compost · fungus · mildew · humus · biodegradation · spoilage · mustiness
Fragment gradually
- disintegrateBreak into fragments
- fragmentIncomplete portion of whole
- erodeDiminish through persistent friction
- dissolveDisperse into liquid
disperse · pulverize · atomize · breakdown · deteriorate · splinter · fracture · vanish
Device that contours material
- artisanSkilled manual tradesperson
- ceramicistMaker of fired clayware
- potterMaker of clay vessels
- sculptorArtist shaping solid materials
caster · metalworker · glassblower · patternmaker · diemaker · moldmaker · foundry · toolmaker
decompose
Break into simpler parts
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- crumbleFragment gradually
- deteriorateGrow worse over time
putrefy · disintegrate · compost · fungus · mildew · humus · biodegradation · spoilage · mustiness · dampness
crumble
Fragment gradually
- disintegrateBreak into fragments
- fragmentIncomplete portion of whole
- erodeDiminish through persistent friction
dissolve · disperse · pulverize · atomize · breakdown · deteriorate · splinter · fracture · vanish · demolish
shaper
Device that contours material
- artisanSkilled manual tradesperson
- ceramicistMaker of fired clayware
- potterMaker of clay vessels
sculptor · caster · metalworker · glassblower · patternmaker · diemaker · moldmaker · foundry · toolmaker · craftsman
- craftspeoplepotter, weaver, blacksmith, artisan, potters
- factory workersfactory worker, factory hand, assembly line worker, floor worker, machine operator
- power toolscordless drill, table saw, miter saw, lathe, band saw
- skilled tradeselectrician, plumber, carpenter, mason, welder
- metalworkersblacksmith, blacksmiths, silversmith, silversmiths, goldsmith
- factory jobsfactory worker, assembly line worker, shift supervisor, forklift operator, packer
- break the moldDiverge from tradition
- black moldHazardous indoor fungal growth
- wooden moldCarved frame for shaping
- moldy breadFungus-covered baked good
- moldy foodFungus-covered edibles
- jello moldContainer for setting gelatin