Word: Mould

Pronunciation

/mdl/

Definitions

Noun (n)

1. A fungus that grows in a pattern on various surfaces: A multicellular, typically filamentous fungus that forms a colony which can grow on various organic materials, often producing a musty smell and discolouration. Example: “The old books had developed a layer of green mould in the damp basement.”
2. A container for shaping a substance: A hollow form or matrix used for giving a particular shape to something, especially in pottery or confectionery. Example: “She poured the molten wax into the candle mould.”
3. A pattern or model: Something that serves as an archetype or model from which similar things can be made; also, a prototype or design. Example: “The sculptor created a mould for the statue before casting it in bronze.”
4. Slang for a person’s nature or character: Referring to the inherent qualities or tendencies that characterize a person. Example: “His upbringing helped shape his strong and independent mould.”

Verb (v)

1. To shape or form using a mould: To give a particular shape to a malleable material by using a mould. Example: “We moulded the clay into bowls.”
2. To influence or determine the development of something: To affect the formation, character, or destiny of something or someone over time. Example: “Her experiences as a child moulded her perspective on life.”
3. To grow mould on: To become covered with or affected by mould. Example: “The cheese had started to mould after being left out too long.”

Phrases

• “Break the mould”: To do something original or different from what has been done before, defying established norms or conventions.
• “Mould one’s opinion”: To form or shape one’s beliefs or viewpoints through experience or education.

Example Sentences

• Noun (fungus): “I need to clean the bathroom because there’s mould growing around the tiles.”
• Noun (container): “She carefully removed the cake from its mould and decorated it with frosting.”
• Verb: “The artist patiently moulded the clay until it took the form of a lifelike sculpture.”
• Slang: “Life experiences can either break or reinforce the mould we fit into.”

Synonyms

• Mold (US spelling)
• Cast
• Shape
• Form
• Pattern
• Character
• Nature (when referring to personal qualities)