Pronunciation: [mˈɪldjuː] (IPA) 
Mildew is a commonly misspelled word, often confused with "mold." The correct spelling is "m-i-l-d-e-w" (/ˈmɪl.duː/). The IPA phonetic transcription of "mildew" shows the two syllables "mil" and "dew," with the first syllable pronounced with the short "i" sound and the second syllable pronounced with the long "u" sound. Mildew is a type of fungus that can develop in damp environments and can be harmful to both humans and plants.
Mildew is a noun that refers to a type of fungus that typically grows in warm and humid conditions, causing damage and discoloration to organic materials such as fabrics, wood, and plant surfaces. It is characterized by the formation of a powdery or fuzzy layer, often in shades of white, grey, or yellowish-brown.
The term mildew can be used to describe both the fungus as well as the discoloration resulting from its growth. It commonly thrives in damp environments, where it can spread rapidly and cause detrimental effects. Mildew can pose health risks, as it may trigger allergies and respiratory problems in some individuals. Furthermore, it can also lead to structural damage, deterioration, and foul odors when left untreated.
Preventing mildew involves maintaining dry and well-ventilated spaces, as moisture accumulation contributes to its growth. Regular cleaning, removing and drying of affected items, and using appropriate fungicidal or mildew-resistant products can help combat mildew growth. Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and bleach are commonly used substances to eliminate mildew, although caution should be exercised to prevent further damage to surfaces.
In summary, mildew is a type of fungus that grows in warm and humid conditions, damaging and discoloring organic materials. It can cause health hazards and structural issues if left untreated. Preventive measures and appropriate treatments are crucial for controlling and eliminating mildew growth.
A parasitic fungus growing on plants and dead organic matter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• To taint with mildew.
• A disease which attacks plants; rust; blight; mouldiness; spots of mould caused by moisture on linen, paper, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "mildew" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Old English word "meledeaw", which consisted of two parts: "mele", meaning honey, and "deaw", meaning dew. In Old English, "meledeaw" referred to a sticky, honey-like substance found on leaf surfaces. Over time, the word evolved to specifically denote a fungal growth on plants, walls, or other surfaces, resembling the sticky nature of honeydew. Despite its sweet-sounding origin, mildew is now associated with the unpleasant fungal growth that can damage various materials.
