— mildewy , adj.
/mil"dooh', -dyooh'/ , n.
1. Plant Pathol. a disease of plants, characterized by a cottony, usually whitish coating on the surface of affected parts, caused by any of various fungi.
2. any of these fungi. Cf. downy mildew, powdery mildew .
3. any of similar coatings or discolorations, caused by fungi, as that which appears on fabrics, paper, leather, etc., when exposed to moisture.
v.t. , v.i.
4. to affect or become affected with mildew.
[ bef. 1000; ME: honeydew, mildew; OE mildeaw, equiv. to mil- honey (c. Goth milith, akin to L mel, Gk méli ) + deaw DEW ]