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Definition of scourings

scourings

/ˈskaʊ.ə.ɹɪŋz/
scour · ings
Plural:scourings
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scourings Lexical Profile

scourings Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Dirt, grease, refuse, or leftover residue removed by rubbing, scrubbing, or washing.

Example

"After cleaning the industrial vats, the workers disposed of the greasy scourings in sealed barrels."

2

The most worthless, disreputable, or undesirable elements of a group or society.

Example

"The remote frontier outpost became a refuge for the scourings of several neighboring empires."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

scour
scourer
scourge
scourings
scout
scouter
scouting

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English verb 'scouren' (to clean or polish by rubbing hard), which was borrowed from Middle Dutch 'scuren' or Old French 'escurer', ultimately tracing back to the Late Latin 'excurare' (to clean off or take great care of).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scourings. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scourings
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