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scum
1 syllable · also scummed, scummingYour browser doesn’t have built-in voices. Try Chrome, Edge or Safari.
As a noun, scum means a layer of impurities that accumulates at the surface of a liquid (especially molten metal or water). As a verb, it means remove the layer of scum from (a liquid etc.).
Meanings of scum
12 meaningsnoun
A layer of impurities that accumulates at the surface of a liquid (especially molten metal or water).
“During smelting, scum rises to the surface and is then removed by the smelter.”
A greenish water vegetation (such as algae), usually found floating on the surface of ponds
“These organisms form scum in large quantities.”
The topmost liquid layer of a cesspool or septic tank.
slangchiefly usSemen.
derogatoryslangA reprehensible person or persons.
“People who sell used-up pens are scum, just total low-lives.”
Worthless people
Similar: trash
verb
To remove the layer of scum from (a liquid etc.).
To remove (something) as scum.
To become covered with scum.
video gamesinformalTo startscum or savescum.
Older and rare meanings (2)
obsoleteTo scour (the land, sea, etc.).
obsoleteTo gather together, as scum.
Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).