mould Definition

mould¹
mold
noun

1. Any of various fungi that produce an abundant woolly network of threadlike strands which may be white, grey-green or black in colour.
2. A woolly growth of this sort on foods, plants, etc. See also mildew.

Thesaurus: mildew, fungus, rust, smut, lichen.

Etymology: 15c.

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mould²
mold
noun

1. A hollow, shaped container into which a liquid substance is poured so that it takes on the container's shape when it cools and sets.
2. Food, eg a jelly or other pudding that has been shaped in such a container.
3. Nature, character or personality.

Example: We need a leader in the traditional mould
Thesaurus: form, cast, image.
4. A framework on which certain manufactured objects are built up.
5. now rare, technical
Form, model or pattern.

verb moulded, moulding

1. To shape something in or using a mould.
2a. To shape (a substance) with the hands;

Example: moulded the clay in her hands
2b. To form something by shaping a substance with the hands.

Example: moulded a pot out of the clay
tr & intr
3. To fit, or make something fit, tightly.

Example: The dress was moulded to her body
4. To exercise a controlling influence over the development of something or someone.

Example: moulding his pupils into future leaders
Thesaurus: form, fashion, create, make.
Form: mould something into something (especially)
Form: mould someone into something

Derivative: mouldable
adverb

Derivative: moulder
noun

Etymology: 13c: from French modle, from Latin modulus a measure.

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mould³
mold
noun

1. Loose soft soil that is rich in decayed organic matter.

Example: leaf mould

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon molde.