noun
must
A stale, moldy smell
A faint smell of must lingers in the closed basement.
Etymology
Origin uncertain. The stale-smell word is associated with musty, but a specific derivation from the wine word is not established.
More examples
- The old blankets carry a strong odor of must.
- Opening the windows helps clear the must from the room.
- The closet smells of must after months of damp weather.
Forms
must
musty adjective — Having a stale, damp, moldy smell.
Similar words
- mustiness
- Names the same stale-smelling quality and is more commonly used.