scum
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Cognate to German Schaum, foam
[edit] Pronunciation
- audio (US)help, file
- IPA: /skʌm/
- Rhymes: -ʌm
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
scum (countable and uncountable; plural scums)
- (uncountable) A layer of impurities that accumulates at the surface of a liquid (especially molten metal or water).
- (uncountable) A greenish water vegetation (such as algae), usually found floating on the surface of ponds
- The topmost liquid layer of a cesspool or septic tank.
- (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
[edit] Translations
A layer of impurities
A person or persons considered to be reprehensible
[edit] Verb
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Infinitive |
Third person singular |
Simple past |
Past participle |
Present participle |
to scum (third-person singular simple present scums, present participle scumming, simple past and past participle scummed)
- To remove the layer of scum from (a liquid etc.).
- (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 [...].
- 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book I.13: