n. 1. a. Any of various fungi or oomycetes that form a superficial, usually whitish growth on plants and various organic materials. b. A plant disease caused by such organisms. 2. A superficial coating or discoloration of organic materials, such as cloth, paper, or leather, caused by fungi, especially under damp conditions. tr. & intr.v. mil·dewed, mil·dew·ing, mil·dews To affect or become affected with mildew. [Middle English mildeu, from Old English mildēaw, honeydew, nectar; see melit- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] mildew′y adj. |
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