D defs.my
Entry 3 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Mildew

/mĭl'-do͞oˌ/ · Mil·dew · IPA /ˈmɪl.d(j)u/
01 n. A growth of minute powdery or webby fungi, whitish or of different colors, found on various diseased or decaying substances.
  1. 1.
    A growth of minute powdery or webby fungi, whitish or of different colors, found on various diseased or decaying substances.(Bot.)
Phrases & compounds
powdery mildew — a fungal disease of plants caused by an ascomycete of the order Erysiphales, characterized by a powdery white film on the surface of the affected plants. It is damaging to, e.g., roses and lilacs. Also, a fungus that causes such a disease.
02 v. t. To taint with mildew; as, mildewed clothing.
imp. & p. p. Mildewed; p. pr. & vb. n. Mildewing
  1. 1.
    To taint with mildew; as, mildewed clothing.
    “He . . . mildews the white wheat.” Shak.
03 v. i. To become tainted with mildew.
  1. 1.
    To become tainted with mildew.