scum
scum Lexical Profile
scum Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A thin layer of impurities, froth, algae, or residue that forms on the surface of a liquid or on hard surfaces exposed to soapy water.
"The chef carefully skimmed the grayish scum off the top of the simmering beef broth."
A worthless, contemptible, or morally despicable person or group of people.
"The judge condemned the fraudsters who preyed on elderly pensioners as the lowest of the low and utter scum."
• verb
To remove the layer of froth, impurities, or film from the surface of a liquid.
"You must scum the boiling sugar syrup repeatedly to ensure the finished jelly remains crystal clear."
To become covered with or form a layer of scum on the surface.
"The stagnant water in the garden pond quickly scummed over during the hot summer months."
• Rhymes for scum
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Middle Dutch 'schuum' or Middle Low German 'schum' (meaning foam or froth), from Proto-Germanic *skūmą, making it cognate with German 'Schaum' and related to the French loanword 'écume'.