Edit page | Page history | Printable version

mildew

(Science: botany) A growth of minute powdery or webby fungi, whitish or of different colours, found on various diseased or decaying substances.

Origin: AS. Meledeaw; akin to OHG. Militou, G. Mehlthau, mehltau; prob. Orig. Meaning, honeydew; cf. Goth. Milip honey. See Mellifluous, and Dew.