Pronunciation: [mˈʌstɪnəs] (IPA) 
The word "mustiness" is spelled with three syllables: /ˈmʌsti.nəs/. The initial "m" is followed by the short "u" sound and the "s" sound. The second syllable contains the long "i" sound followed by the "n" sound and a schwa sound. The final syllable has a long "e" sound, followed by the "n" sound and the "s" sound. This word describes a stale, damp or moldy smell, often found in old buildings or musty books.
Mustiness is a noun that refers to the characteristic or state of being musty. When something is described as musty, it has a stale and unpleasant odor or taste, often resulting from being stored in a damp or poorly circulated environment for an extended period of time. Mustiness can typically be associated with a certain level of decay or lack of freshness. The term is most commonly used to describe the smell of old books, clothes, basements, or other enclosed spaces that have not been properly aired or maintained.
Mustiness is often caused by the presence of mold or mildew, which thrive in environments with high humidity and poor ventilation. These microorganisms release spores, which can settle on surfaces and produce a distinctive musty odor. In addition to physical decay, mustiness can also be a result of chemical reactions that occur when certain organic materials break down over time.
The term "mustiness" is not limited to describing odors alone; it can also refer to a general state of being outdated, old-fashioned, or obsolete. In this context, it implies that something is no longer in line with current trends, preferences, or standards.
Overall, mustiness describes a condition characterized by an unpleasant and often damp, stale odor that is commonly associated with old or improperly stored items.
The quality of being musty or ill-flavoured.
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 mustiness is derived from the adjective musty. The term musty dates back to the early 15th century and originates from the Middle English word must, which means having an odor. Must itself can be traced back to Old English mustig, meaning stinking. It further evolved from the Proto-Germanic root mugsts, meaning slimy or gooey, and is likely related to the Old Norse word mygla, meaning moldy. Over time, musty came to specifically refer to a damp, moldy, or stale odor, often associated with old or poorly ventilated spaces. Thus, the word mustiness is formed by adding the noun suffix -ness to musty.
