scum

American  

[skuhm] / skʌm /

noun

1. a film or layer of foul or extraneous matter that forms on the surface of a liquid.

2. refuse or offscourings.

3. a low, worthless, or evil person.

4. such persons collectively; riffraff; dregs.

5. scoria.

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verb (used with object)

scummed, scumming

1. to remove the scum from.

2. to remove as scum.

verb (used without object)

scummed, scumming

1. to form scum; become covered with scum.

scum British  

/ skʌm /

noun

1. a layer of impure matter that forms on the surface of a liquid, often as the result of boiling or fermentation

2. the greenish film of algae and similar vegetation surface of a stagnant pond

3. Also called: dross.   scruff.  the skin of oxides or impurities on the surface of a molten metal

4. waste matter

5. a worthless person or group of people

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verb

1. (tr) to remove scum from

2. rare (intr) to form a layer of or become covered with scum

Other Word Forms

• scumless adjective
• scumlike adjective
• scummer noun
• unscummed adjective

Etymology

Origin of scum

1200–50; Middle English scume < Middle Dutch schūme ( Dutch schuim ) foam; cognate with German Schaum foam

Example Sentences

He also referred to himself as "scum" who deserved to be put in jail.

From BBC

When this occurs, blue-green algae can form blooms that discolour the water, or produce floating mats or scums on the water's surface.

From BBC

The sleepless nights made him feel like a scum had settled over his brain.

From Los Angeles Times

When this occurs, the algae can form blooms that discolour the water or produce floating mats or scums on the water’s surface.

From BBC

The first is a “caution” advisory, which indicates visitors can swim but should stay away from algae and scum in the water.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• froth