also mould, "hollow shape," c. 1200, originally "fashion, form; nature, native constitution, character," metathesized from Old French modle "model, plan, copy; way, manner" (12c., Modern French moule), from Latin modulum (nominative modulus) "measure, model," diminutive of modus "manner" (see mode (1)). From c. 1300 as "pattern or model by which something is shaped or made." To break the mold "render impossible the creation of another" is from 1560s.
mold (n.2)
also mould, "furry fungus," early 15c., probably from moulde, past participle of moulen "to grow moldy" (early 13c.), related to Old Norse mygla "grow moldy," possibly from Proto-Germanic *(s)muk- indicating "wetness, slipperiness," from PIE *meug- (see mucus). Or it might have evolved from (or been influenced by) Old English molde "loose earth" (see mold (n.3)).
mold (n.3)
also mould, "loose earth," Old English molde "earth, sand, dust, soil; land, country, world," from Proto-Germanic *mulda (cognates: Old Frisian molde "earth, soil," Old Norse mold "earth," Middle Dutch moude, Dutch moude, Old High German molta "dust, earth," Gothic mulda "dust"), from PIE root *mele- "to rub, grind" (see meal (n.2)). Specifically, since late (Christian) Old English, "the earth of the grave."
mold (v.)
also mould, mid-14c., "to mix, blend;" late 14c. "to knead, shape," from mold (n.1). Figurative sense (of character, etc.) is from c. 1600. Related: Molded; molding.
实用例句
1. Try to compact the sand into the mold.
设法把这沙土堆积到模子里.
来自《简明英汉词典》
2. The sweatful practice sessions mold mighty football teams.
一连串汗流浃背的训练磨练出实力强大的足球队.
来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
3. The plastic was poured into the mold and left to set until it was firm.
塑料被注入模子后,便放在一边让它慢慢凝结硬化.
来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
4. I have watched the potters mold, fire and paint their bowls, plates and vases with sacred designs.
我见过制陶工人捏塑、烧制碗碟花瓶，并在上面涂绘各种宗教图案。
来自柯林斯例句
5. Too often we try to mold our children into something they do not wish to be.
