mold

Dictionary: mold1   (mōld)

Allergies Health videos on seasonal allergies, including allergy treatment options.

1. A hollow form or matrix for shaping a fluid or plastic substance.
2. A frame or model around or on which something is formed or shaped.
3. Something that is made in or shaped on a mold.
4. The shape or pattern of a mold.
5. General shape or form: the oval mold of her face.
6. Distinctive character or type: a leader in the mold of her predecessors.
7. A fixed or restrictive pattern or form: a method of scientific investigation that broke the mold and led to a new discovery.
8. Architecture. See molding (sense 3).

1. To shape in or on a mold.
2. 1. To form into a particular shape; give shape to.
   2. To guide or determine the growth or development of; influence: a teacher who helps to mold the minds of his students.
3. To fit closely by following the contours of.
4. To make a mold of or from (molten metal, for example) before casting.
5. To ornament with moldings.

To be shaped in or as if in a mold: shoes that gradually molded to my feet.

[Middle English molde, from Old French modle, molle, from Latin modulus, diminutive of modus, measure.]

1. Any of various fungi that often cause disintegration of organic matter.
2. The growth of such fungi.

To become moldy.

[Middle English moulde, probably from past participle of moulen, to grow moldy, from Old Norse mygla.]

1. Loose friable soil, rich in humus and fit for planting.
2. Chiefly British.
   1. The earth; the ground.
   2. The earth of the grave.
3. Archaic. Earth as the substance of the human body.

[Middle English, from Old English molde.]

Organic growth common in areas exposed to moisture. Some varieties are thought to pose health problems for certain individuals. See Stachybotrys Chartarum.
Example: Mildew is a type of mold that often grows in baths and kitchen areas of homes.

n. 1. A container, usually distinctively shaped, into which a food is placed in order to take on the shape of that container. Molds can range in size from tiny, individual candy-size molds to large pudding molds. The food (such as butter, chocolate, ice cream, aspic, pâté or a gelatin-based dessert) is poured or packed into the mold and then customarily refrigerated until it becomes firm enough to hold its shape. 2. The finished dish made in such a container. 3. Any of thousands of varieties of fungi that grow on food items such as bread, cheese, fruit and jam. Molds grow best when the food is acidic and the environment is warm, damp and dark, with some air circulation. Mold reproduces from its spores, which are carried through the air until they find the right food and environment to germinate. Most molds are simply nuisances that spoil food but are not harmful. Among the beneficial molds are those purposely nurtured to create wonderful blue cheeses like roquefort and stilton, and that which grows on the rind of camembert, providing its distinctive flavor. mold v. To form food into a distinctive shape either by hand-forming (as with a bread dough) or by pouring (as with aspic) into a decorative mold and chilling or freezing until firm.

noun

1. A hollow device for shaping a fluid or plastic substance: cast, form, matrix. See surface/depth.
2. A class that is defined by the common attribute or attributes possessed by all its members: breed, cast, description, feather, ilk, kind², lot, manner, nature, order, sort, species, stamp, stripe, type, variety. Informal persuasion. See group.

verb

1. To create by forming, combining, or altering materials: assemble, build, construct, fabricate, fashion, forge¹, frame, make, manufacture, produce, put together, shape. See make/unmake.
2. To give form to by or as if by pressing and kneading: form, model, shape. See surface/depth.

Definition: form, give shape
Antonyms: dismantle

(click to enlarge)
Mold on surface of jelly (credit: (Top) Ingmar Holmasen, (bottom) Stephen Collins)

In biology, a conspicuous mass of mycelium and fruiting structures produced by various fungi (kingdom Fungi; see fungus). Molds of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Rhizopus are associated with food spoilage and plant diseases, but some have beneficial uses, such as in the manufacture of antibiotics (e.g., penicillin) and certain cheeses. Neurospora, or orange bread mold, has been invaluable in the study of genetics. Water molds (phylum Oomycota, kingdom Chromista) live in fresh or brackish water or wet soils, absorbing dead or decaying organic matter. See also slime mold.

For more information on mold, visit Britannica.com.

Any of various fungi that attack plants.

This article is about the fungi known as molds. Slime molds and water molds are not fungi and are discussed in separate articles. For other uses, see Mold (disambiguation).

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (November 2008)

Molds (or moulds; see spelling differences) include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae.^[1] In contrast, microscopic fungi that grow as single cells are called yeasts. A connected network of these tubular branching hyphae has multiple, genetically identical nuclei and is considered a single organism, referred to as a colony or in more technical terms a mycelium.

Molds do not form a specific taxonomic or phylogenetic grouping, but can be found in the divisions Zygomycota, Deuteromycota and Ascomycota. Although some molds cause disease or food spoilage, others are useful for their role in biodegradation or in the production of various foods, beverages, antibiotics and enzymes.

Contents 1 Biology 2 Common molds 3 Uses 3.1 Food production 3.2 Drug creation 3.3 Other uses 4 Health effects 5 Growth in buildings and homes 6 Gallery 7 See also 8 References 9 External links

Biology

There are thousands of known species of molds, which include opportunistic pathogens, saprotrophs, aquatic species, calders and thermophiles.^[2] Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter in which they live. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes, mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way, molds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems. Many molds also secrete mycotoxins which, together with hydrolytic enzymes, inhibit the growth of competing microorganisms.

Molds reproduce through small spores,^[2] which may contain a single nucleus or be multinucleate. Mold spores can be asexual (the products of mitosis) or sexual (the products of meiosis); many species can produce both types. Some can remain airborne indefinitely, and many are able to survive extremes of temperature and pressure.

Although molds grow on dead organic matter everywhere in nature, their presence is only visible to the unaided eye when mold colonies grow. A mold colony does not comprise discrete organisms, but an interconnected network of hyphae called a mycelium. Nutrients and in some cases organelles may be transported throughout the mycelium. In artificial environments like buildings, humidity and temperature are often stable enough to foster the growth of mold colonies, commonly seen as a downy or furry coating growing on food or other surfaces.

Some molds can begin growing at temperatures as low as 2°C. When conditions do not enable growth, molds may remain alive in a dormant state depending on the species, within a large range of temperatures before they die. The many different mold species vary enormously in their tolerance to temperature and humidity extremes. Certain molds can survive harsh conditions such as the snow-covered soils of Antarctica, refrigeration, highly acidic solvents, and even petroleum products such as jet fuel.

Xerophilic molds use the humidity in the air as their only water source; other molds need more moisture.

Common molds

• Acremonium
• Aspergillus
• Cladosporium
• Fusarium
• Mucor
• Penicillium
• Rhizopus
• Stachybotrys
• Trichoderma

Uses

Food production

Cultured molds are used in the production of foods, including:

• cheese (Penicillium spp.)
• tempeh (Rhizopus oligosporus)
• oncom (Neurospora sitophila)
• Quorn (Fusarium venenatum)
• bread
• sausages^[3]
• soy sauce

The koji molds are a group of Aspergillus species, notably Aspergillus oryzae, that have been cultured in eastern Asia for many centuries. They are used to ferment a soybean and wheat mixture to make soybean paste and soy sauce. They are also used to break down the starch in rice (saccharification) in the production of sake and other distilled spirits.

Drug creation

Alexander Fleming's famous discovery of the antibiotic penicillin involved the mold Penicillium chrysogenum.

Several cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as Lovastatin, from Aspergillus terreus) are derived from molds.

The immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine, used to suppress the rejection of transplanted organs, is derived from the mold Tolypocladium inflatum.

Other uses

Other molds are cultivated for their ability to produce useful substances. Aspergillus niger is used in the production of citric acid, gluconic acid and many other compounds and enzymes. The mold Aspergillus nidulans is an important model organism. Ashbya gossypii is used in industrial production of riboflavin and is further studied as a model organism.

Health effects

Main article: Mold health issues

Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. However, when mold spores are present in large quantities, they can present a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and in some cases death. Prolonged exposure, e.g. daily workplace exposure, can be particularly harmful. The term toxic mold refers to molds that produce mycotoxins, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, and not to all molds in general.

Growth in buildings and homes

Main articles: Mold growth, assessment, and remediation and Indoor air quality

Mold growth in buildings can lead to a variety of health issues. Various practices can be followed to mitigate mold issues in buildings, the most important of which is to reduce moisture levels that can facilitate mold growth. Removal of affected materials after the source of moisture has been reduced and/or eliminated may be necessary for remediation.

Gallery

Bread mold is one of the most common types of mold, and can cover a loaf of bread in less than three days.	Mold covering a decaying peach over a period of six days. The frames were taken approximately 12 hours apart. There are 12 frames of changes.	Moldy nectarines that were in a refrigerator. The nectarine with black mold is also affecting the nectarine underneath.	Stilton cheese contains edible mold.
A moldy tomato.	moldy bread

See also

Fungi portal

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mold

• Bioaerosol
• Decay
• Mildew
• Mold mite
• Mycorrhiza
• Oomycete

References

1. ^ Madigan M; Martinko J (editors). (2005). Brock Biology of Microorganisms (11th ed.). Prentice Hall. ISBN 0131443291. OCLC 57001814. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Ryan KJ; Ray CG (editors) (2004). Sherris Medical Microbiology (4th ed.). McGraw Hill. pp. 633–8. ISBN 0838585299. 
3. ^ L. H. Stahnke, L. O. Sunesen (2003-11). "Mould starter cultures for dry sausages—selection, application and effects". Meat Science 65 (3): 935–948. doi:10.1016/S0309-1740(02)00281-4. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T9G-48V817P-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=d49cf5f0622cb4266ceba3c7f36fa924. Retrieved on 2008-06-06. 

External links

• The EPA's guide to mold

v • d • e Microbiology: Fungus Structure Reproduction/spore teleomorph/sexual: Zygospore · Ascospore/Ascus · Basidiospore/Basidium/Teliospore anamorph/asexual: Sporangium · Conidium · Chlamydospore Other Hypha · Haustorium · Mycelium · Cell wall Growth patterns Dimorphic fungi · Mold · Yeast · Mushroom

This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)

Dansk (Danish)
1.
n. - form, støbeform, skabelon
v. tr. - forme, udforme, støbe, danne

idioms:

• break the mould    bryde vanen

2.
n. - mug, skimmel
v. intr. - mugne, blive skimlet

3.
n. - jord, muld

Nederlands (Dutch)
gietvorm, mal, schimmel, vorm, teelaarde, vormen, kneden, beschimmelen, aanaarden, doen beschimmelen

Français (French)
1.
n. - moule, modèle, gabarit, (fig) moule
v. tr. - fondre, mouler, modeler (sculpture), (fig) façonner

idioms:

• break the mould    casser le moule

2.
n. - moisissure
v. intr. - se moisir, être moisi

3.
n. - terreau

Deutsch (German)
1.
n. - Form, Gußform
v. - formen, gießen, sich formen

idioms:

• break the mould    neue Wege gehen

2.
n. - Schimmel
v. - schimmeln, schimmlig werden, schimmlig machen

3.
n. - Humus, Boden

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - μούχλα, καλούπι, μήτρα, ξυλότυπος, τύπος, φόρμα, μαυρόχωμα, χούμος, τύπωμα, εκμαγείο, σουλούπι, μορφή, σχήμα, αποτύπωμα, πρότυπο
v. - καλουπώνω, φορμάρω, χύνω σε τύπους, (δια)πλάθω, διαμορφώνω, μουχλιάζω

idioms:

• break the mould    καταστρέφω το πρωτότυπο

Italiano (Italian)
plasmare, gettare, ammuffire, terriccio, forma, stampo

idioms:

• break the mould    rompere lo stampo

Português (Portuguese)
n. - molde (m)
v. - moldar, emoldurar, amassar pão

idioms:

• break the mould    mudar completamente uma situação

Русский (Russian)
форма, отливка, характер, плесень, взрыхленная земля, формовать, создавать, рыхлить землю, засыпать землей, покрываться плесенью

idioms:

• break the mould    сделать невозможным воспроизведение или копирование чего-л.

Español (Spanish)
1.
n. - molde, modelo, plantilla, patrón, forma, matriz
v. tr. - moldear, formar, amasar, moldurar, amoldar

idioms:

• break the mould    tomar caminos nuevos, romper el molde

2.
n. - moho
v. intr. - enmohecerse

3.
n. - tierra vegetal, mantillo

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - mylla, stoft, mögel, rostfläck, form, gestalt, typ
v. - kupa, mögla, gjuta, pressa, prägla

中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
1. 模子, 松软沃土, 模制品

idioms:

• break the mould    打破固有的模型, 打破传统, 打破模式

2. 肥土, 霉, 壤土

3. 肥土, 霉, 壤土

中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
1.
n. - 肥土, 黴, 壤土

2.
n. - 模子, 鬆軟沃土, 模製品

idioms:

• break the mould    打破固有的模型, 打破傳統, 打破模式

3.
n. - 肥土, 黴, 壤土

한국어 (Korean)
1.
n. - 주형
v. tr. - 주형에 넣어 만들다

idioms:

• break the mould    틀을 깨다

2.
n. - 곰팡이
v. intr. - 틀보다 거대하게 되다

3.
n. - 양토

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - かたどる, カビ, 鋳造する, 作り上げる, 糸状菌, 型, 鋳型, 雌型, かたどられた模様, 型枠, 形

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) عفن, شكل, هيئه (فعل) يشكل, يقولب‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮תבנית, דפוס, מסגרת, מתכונת, תכונת-אופי, צורה, בעיקר של גוף חיה, מקפא, ג'לי‬
v. tr. - ‮עיצב בדפוס או בתבנית, עיצב ממרכיבים מסוימים, צר צורה, השפיע על עיצוב או התפתחות של, התאים מאד ל-‬
n. - ‮עובש, גידול פטרייתי בחומר נרקב‬
v. intr. - ‮גרם לעובש, העביש‬
n. - ‮שכבת קרקע מעובדת, בייחוד עשירה ומדושנת‬

If you are unable to view some languages clearly, click here.

To select your translation preferences click here.