scram
1[ skram ]
/ skræm /
verb (used without object), scrammed, scram·ming. Informal.
to go away; get out (usually used as a command): I said I was busy, so scram.
Nearby words
scrabble, scrabbly, scrag, scraggly, scraggy, scram, scramasax, scramb, scramble, scrambled egg, scrambled eggs
Origin of scram
11925–30; probably shortened form of scramble (but compare German schramm, imperative singular of schrammen to depart)
Definition for scram (2 of 2)
scram
2[ skram ]
/ skræm /
noun
the rapid shutdown of a nuclear reactor in an emergency.
verb (used with object)
to shut down (a nuclear reactor) rapidly in an emergency.
Origin of scram
21945–50; perhaps identical with scram1, though sense development is unclear
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for scram
British Dictionary definitions for scram (1 of 2)
scram
1/ (skræm) /
verb scrams, scramming or scrammed
(intr; often imperative) informal to go away hastily; get out
Word Origin for scram
C20: shortened from scramble
British Dictionary definitions for scram (2 of 2)
scram
2/ (skræm) /
noun
an emergency shutdown of a nuclear reactor
verb
(of a nuclear reactor) to shut down or be shut down in an emergency
Word Origin for scram
C20: perhaps from scram 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for scram
scram
1928, U.S. slang, either a shortened form of scramble (v.) or from German schramm, imperative singular of schrammen "depart." Related: Scrammed; scramming.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper