mould

mould Mass composed of the spore-bearing mycelia (vegetative filaments) and fruiting bodies produced by numerous fungi. Many moulds live off fruits, vegetables, cheese, butter, jelly, silage and almost any dead organic material. Roquefort, camembert, and stilton cheeses involve the use of mould. Although many species are pathogenic (disease-causing), penicillin and a few other antibiotics are obtained from moulds. See also fungicide; fungus; slime mould