Pronunciation: [mˈə͡ʊl] (IPA) 
The word "mole" can be spelled with the letters M-O-L-E. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be spelled as /moʊl/. The first sound is a long "o" sound, followed by a stress on the "l" sound. This word can have multiple meanings, including a small, dark spot on the skin or a burrowing animal found in the ground. Regardless of its meaning, the spelling of the word remains the same.
Mole, as a noun, can have multiple definitions depending on the context:
1. In zoology, a mole refers to a small burrowing mammal with velvety fur, small eyes, and strong forelimbs used for digging. Moles are commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia, and they mainly feed on earthworms and other underground invertebrates.
2. In chemistry, a mole represents a unit of measurement used to quantify the amount of a substance. It is defined as the amount of a substance that contains the same number of entities (atoms, molecules, or ions) as there are atoms in 12 grams of carbon-12. The mole is commonly used in chemical equations and calculations.
3. In dermatology, a mole refers to a small, often pigmented spot on the skin caused by a cluster of pigment cells known as melanocytes. Moles can vary in size, shape, and color, and most are harmless. However, changes in size, shape, color, or bleeding could indicate the need for medical evaluation.
4. In espionage, a mole refers to a person who has infiltrated a group or organization and secretly provides information or intelligence to an opposing group. Moles are often associated with spy networks and can be highly damaging to security and confidential operations.
Overall, the term "mole" encompasses a range of meanings across different fields, including a burrowing mammal, a unit of measurement, a skin lesion, and a covert operative.
• A spot or permanent mark on some part of the human skin.
• A massive work of stones formed in the sea to protect a harbour from the violence of the waves; a huge shapeless mass.
• A small animal which burrows in the ground and throws up mould or earth.
• In med., a mass of fleshy matter generated in the uterus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "mole" originated from the Middle English term "moldwarp", which ultimately derived from the Old English word "moldwærp". This Old English term was a combination of "molde", meaning "earth", and "weorpan", meaning "to throw". The word "moldwarp" referred to an animal that burrows through the earth. Over time, the spelling evolved, eventually becoming "mole" in Modern English.
