mold mold /ˈmoʊld/

noun

1. () [ N. American] Container into which liquid is poured to create a given shape when it hardens  ( mould [Canadian, British] , cast , mold [ N. American] )
   container into which liquid is poured to create a given shape when it hardens
   
   
2. () [ N. American] The distinctive form in which a thing is made  ( cast , mould [Canadian, British] , mold [ N. American] , stamp )
   the distinctive form in which a thing is made
    Pottery of this cast was found throughout the region
   pottery of this cast was found throughout the region
   
3. [ N. American] Sculpture produced by molding  ( clay sculpture , modeling [American] , mold [ N. American] , molding [ N. American] , mould [Canadian, British] , moulding [Canadian, British] )
   sculpture produced by molding
   
   
4. [ N. American] A distinctive nature, character, or type  ( mold [ N. American] , mould [Canadian, British] )
   a distinctive nature, character, or type
    A leader in the mold of her predecessors
   a leader in the mold of her predecessors
   
5. [ N. American] A dish or dessert that is formed in or on a mold  ( mold [ N. American] , mould [Canadian, British] )
   a dish or dessert that is formed in or on a mold
    A lobster mold
   a lobster mold
    A gelatin dessert made in a mold
   a gelatin dessert made in a mold
   
   
6. [ N. American] A fungus that produces a superficial growth on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter  ( mold [ N. American] , mould [Canadian, British] )
   a fungus that produces a superficial growth on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter
   
   
7. [ N. American] The process of becoming mildewed  ( mildew , mold [ N. American] , mould [Canadian, British] )
   the process of becoming mildewed
   
8. [ N. American] Loose soil rich in organic matter  ( mold [ N. American] , mould [Canadian, British] )
   loose soil rich in organic matter
   

verb

1. () [ N. American] (art) form in clay, wax, etc  ( model , mould [Canadian, British] , mold [ N. American] )
   (art) form in clay, wax, etc
    Model a head with clay
   model a head with clay
   
2. () [ N. American] Become moldy; spoil due to humidity  ( mildew , mold [ N. American] )
   become moldy; spoil due to humidity
    The furniture molded in the old house
   The furniture molded in the old house
   
3. Shape or influence; give direction to  ( mold , regulate , influence , determine , shape )
   shape or influence; give direction to
    Experience often determines ability
   experience often determines ability
    Mold public opinion
   mold public opinion
   
4. [ N. American] Fit tightly, follow the contours of  ( mold [ N. American] )
   fit tightly, follow the contours of
    The dress molds her beautiful figure
   The dress molds her beautiful figure
   
5. [ N. American] Make something, usually for a specific function  ( forge , mold [ N. American] , mould , form , shape , work )
   make something, usually for a specific function
    She molded the rice balls carefully
   She molded the rice balls carefully
    Form cylinders from the dough
   Form cylinders from the dough
    Shape a figure
   shape a figure
    Work the metal into a sword
   Work the metal into a sword
   
6. [ N. American] Form by pouring (e.g., wax or hot metal) into a cast or mold  ( cast , mold [ N. American] , mould [Canadian, British] )
   form by pouring (e.g., wax or hot metal) into a cast or mold
    Cast a bronze sculpture
   cast a bronze sculpture