mould1
n.
- a hollow container used to give shape to molten or hot liquid material when it cools and hardens.
- a dish made in a mould, such as a mousse.
- a distinctive form, style, or character:
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a superb striker in the same mould as Lineker.
- a frame or template for producing mouldings.
v.
- form (an object) out of a malleable substance.
▸give a shape to (a malleable substance).
- influence the formation or development of.
-
[as adj. moulded]
(of a column, ceiling, etc.) having a decorative moulding:
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a moulded cornice.
Phrase
- break the mould
end a restrictive pattern of events or behaviour by doing things differently.
Derivative
- mouldable adj.
- moulder n.
Etymology
ME: appar. from OFr. modle, from L. modulus (see modulus).
mould2
n.
a furry growth of minute fungi occurring typically in moist warm conditions on organic matter.
▸a fungus of this kind.
Etymology
ME: prob. from obs. mould, past part. of moul ‘grow mouldy’, of Scand. origin.
mould3
n.
chiefly Brit. soft loose earth, especially when rich in organic matter.
Etymology
OE molde, from a Gmc base meaning ‘pulverize or grind’; rel. to meal2.
