SCUMMING

SCUM

scum

(verb) remove the scum from

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology 1

Noun

scumming (plural scummings)

(printing) The accumulation of sticky ink on a plate.

(chiefly, in the plural) That which is scummed off; skimmings; scum.

Etymology 2

Noun

scumming (uncountable)

(video games, derogatory) The strategy of collecting easy rewards in unchallenging areas, e.g. when a high-level character visits levels suitable for low-level characters in roguelike games.

(video games, derogatory) The act of restoring a game's save file, or restarting the game, for the purpose of continuing play with a better outcome than was obtained the first time.

Anagrams

• Cummings

Source: Wiktionary


Scum"ming, n. (a) The act of taking off scum. (b) That which is scummed off; skimmings; scum; -- used chiefly in the plural.

SCUM

Scum, n. Etym: [Of Scand. origin; cf. Dan. & Sw. skum, Icel. sk, LG. schum, D. schuim, OHG. sc, G. schaum; probably from a root meaning, to cover. sq. root158. 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 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.

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

2 February 2025

BACK

(adverb) at or to or toward the back or rear; “he moved back”; “tripped when he stepped backward”; “she looked rearward out the window of the car”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

According to WorldAtlas, Canada is the only non-European country to make its top ten list of coffee consumers. The United States at a distant 25 on the list.

coffee icon