scum

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

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Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Related terms 1.3.3 Translations 1.4 Verb 1.5 Anagrams

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Cognate to German Schaum, foam

[edit] Pronunciation

•  audio (US)^{help, file}
• IPA: /skʌm/

  Rhymes: -ʌm

[edit] Noun

scum (countable and uncountable; plural scums)

1. (uncountable) A layer of impurities that accumulates at the surface of a liquid (especially molten metal or water).
2. (uncountable) A greenish water vegetation (such as algae), usually found floating on the surface of ponds
3. The topmost liquid layer of a cesspool or septic tank.
4. (countable) (derogatory, slang) A person or persons considered to be reprehensible.

[edit] Synonyms

• (layer of impurities): dross, impurities; (on molten metal) cinder, (on molten metal) dross, (on molten metal) scoriae, (on molten metal) slag
• (derogatory, slang, person or persons considered reprehensible): bastard

[edit] Related terms

• scumbag
• scummy

[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

to scum (third-person singular simple present scums, present participle scumming, simple past and past participle scummed)

1. To remove the layer of scum from (a liquid etc.).
2. (obsolete) To scour (the land, sea etc.).
   • 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book I.13:

     Soo by Merlyns aduys ther were sente fore rydars to skumme the Countreye, & they mette with the fore rydars of the north [...].

[edit] Anagrams

• Alphagram: cmsu
• cums
• USMC