downy

Downy is an English term used to describe something soft, fluffy, or covered with down—the fine, soft hairs or feathers that insulate young birds and some plant surfaces. As an adjective, it can refer to texture, appearance, or feel, such as a downy coating or a downy skin.

In biology and botany, downy denotes the presence of fine hairs or trichomes on a surface. Leaves described as downy have a soft, fuzzy texture on the underside, and certain fruits, seeds, or buds may also be described as downy. The term helps distinguish surfaces that are lightly pilose or fuzzy from smooth or glabrous ones.

Downy mildew is a plant disease group caused by oomycetes in genera such as Pseudoperonospora and Plasmopara. It produces a damp, mold-like growth on the undersides of leaves and can cause symptoms such as yellowing, curling, or browning of tissue. The disease affects a range of crops, including grapes, lettuce, and brassicas, and is typically spread by water-splash spread and humid conditions. Management strategies include resistant varieties, proper spacing for airflow, crop rotation, and appropriate fungicidal treatments.

Downy is also a brand name for a fabric softener marketed by Procter & Gamble. The product is used to soften fabrics, reduce static cling, and impart fragrance, and it is sold in many countries in various formulations.

Overall, downy describes both a physical texture and a family of related uses in biology and consumer products.