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mold¹

(mōld)

1. A hollow form or matrix for shaping a fluid or plastic substance.

2. A frame or model around or on which something is formed or shaped.

3. Something that is made in or shaped on a mold.

4. The shape or pattern of a mold.

5. General shape or form: the oval mold of her face.

6. Distinctive character or type: a leader in the mold of her predecessors.

7. A fixed or restrictive pattern or form: a method of scientific investigation that broke the mold and led to a new discovery.

8. Architecture See molding.

v. mold·ed, mold·ing, molds

v.tr.

a. To form (something) out of a fluid or plastic material: molded a cup out of clay.

b. To form into a particular shape; give shape to: molded the clay into a ball.

c. To guide or determine the growth or development of; influence: a teacher who helps to mold the minds of his students.

2. To fit closely by following the contours of (the body). Used of clothing.

v.intr.

To assume a certain shape: shoes that gradually molded to my feet.

[Middle English molde, from Old French modle, molle, from Latin modulus, diminutive of modus, measure; see med- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

molda·ble adj.

molder n.

mold²

(mōld)

a. Any of various filamentous fungi that grow on and contribute to the decay of organic matter.

b. A growth of such fungi.

2. Any of various other saprophytic or parasitic organisms that resemble fungi, such as slime molds or water molds.

intr.v. mold·ed, mold·ing, molds

To become moldy.

[Middle English moulde, probably from past participle of moulen, to grow moldy, from Old Norse mygla.]

mold³

(mōld)

1. Loose friable soil, rich in humus and fit for planting.

2. Chiefly British

a. The earth; the ground.

b. The earth of the grave.

3. Archaic Earth as the substance of the human body.

[Middle English, from Old English molde; see melə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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