water-mold
|wa-ter-mold|
🇺🇸
/ˈwɔtərˌmoʊld/
🇬🇧
/ˈwɔːtəˌməʊld/
fungus-like organism living in water
Etymology
'water-mold' is a modern English compound formed from 'water' + 'mold,' where 'water' comes from Old English 'wæter' meaning 'water' and 'mold/mould' developed the sense 'fungus' or 'mildew' in later English.
'water-mold' arose as a descriptive compound in modern English (19th century onward) to name mold-like organisms living in water; the term reflects the joining of 'water' and the sense of 'mold' meaning fungal growth, while scientific classification later adopted the term 'oomycete' from Greek-based taxonomy.
Originally a straightforward compound meaning 'mold found in water,' its scientific reference has shifted as organisms called water-molds were reclassified: initially treated as fungi, they are now placed in the oomycetes, a distinct lineage related to certain algae.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
any of various fungus-like, filamentous organisms (class Oomycota or Oomycetes) that live in water or very damp environments; formerly classified with true fungi but now known to be distinct.
Phytophthora infestans, a water-mold, caused the Irish potato famine.
Synonyms
Noun 2
informal: any mold-like growth found in damp or aquatic settings (nontechnical use).
After the flood, homeowners discovered water-mold on the basement walls.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/04 04:55