MOTHER Moth"er, n. Etym: [Akin to D. modder mud, G. moder mold, mud, Dan. mudder mud, and to E. mud. See Mud.]
Defn: A film or membrane which is developed on the surface of fermented alcoholic liquids, such as vinegar, wine, etc., and acts as a means of conveying the oxygen of the air to the alcohol and other combustible principles of the liquid, thus leading to their oxidation.
Note: The film is composed of a mass of rapidly developing microörganisms of the genus Mycoderma, and in the mother of vinegar the microörganisms (Mycoderma aceti) composing the film are the active agents in the Conversion of the alcohol into vinegar. When thickened by growth, the film may settle to the bottom of the fluid. See Acetous fermentation, under Fermentation.
MOTHER
Moth"er, v. i.
Defn: To become like, or full of, mother, or thick matter, as vinegar.
MOTHERED
Moth"ered, a.
Defn: Thick, like mother; viscid.
They oint their naked limbs with mothered oil. Dryden.
MOTHERHOOD
Moth"er*hood, n.
Defn: The state of being a mother; the character or office of a mother.
MOTHERING
Moth"er*ing, n.