mold 1 (m ld)n.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. v. mold·ed, mold·ing, molds v.tr.1. To shape in or on a mold. 2. a. To form into a particular shape; give shape to. b. 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. v.intr. 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; see med- in Indo-European roots.]
mold a·ble adj. mold er n. |