mold (condition) en

Condition of having a conspicuous furry growth on the surface of organic materials, comprising a mass of mycelium (masses of vegetative filaments, or hyphae) and fruiting structures of various fungi. The most common species are of the genera Aspergillus (black, yellow, and orange) and Penicillium (green). Molds can excrete organic acids, such as citric, oxalic, gluconic, etc., that can damage the growth substrate, resulting in discoloration of dyed textiles, paper, and leather. They also produce colored bodies that discolor materials. Mold growth can be inhibited by fungicides or minimized by a clean environment that has sunlight, dry circulating air, and relatively low temperatures.