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(skm), n.[Of Scand. origin; cf. Dan. & Sw. skum, Icel. skm, LG. schum, D. schuim, OHG. scm, G. schaum; probably from a root meaning, to cover. 158. Cf. Hide skin, Meerschaum, Skim, v., Sky.] 1. The extraneous matter or impurities which rise to the surface of liquids in boiling or fermentation, or which form on the surface by other means; also, the scoria of metals in a molten state; dross. Some to remove the scum as it did rise. Spenser. 2. refuse; recrement; anything vile or worthless. The great and innocent are insulted by the scum and refuse of the people. Addison. Scum v. t.[imp. & p. p.Scummed (); p. pr. & vb. n.Scumming ().] 1. To take the scum from; to clear off the impure matter from the surface of; to skim. You that scum the molten lead. Dryden & Lee. 2. To sweep or range over the surface of. [Obs.] Wandering up and down without certain seat, they lived by scumming those seas and shores as pirates. Milton. Scum v. i.To form a scum; to become covered with scum. Also used figuratively. Life, and the interest of life, have stagnated and scummed over. A. K. H. Boyd. スポンサード リンク
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