scum
A layer of impurities that accumulates at the surface of a liquidA layer of impurities that accumulates at the surface of a liquid (especially molten metal or water).
Meaning
5 senses(uncountable)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.
Abschaum, Schwimmschlamm, Rand
пе́наpéna, на́кипьnákipʹ, нечисто́тыnečistóty
a film of impurities or vegetation that can form on the surface of a liquid
(uncountable)A greenish water vegetation (such as algae), usually found floating on the surface of ponds
These organisms form scum in large quantities.
Algenteppich, Entengrütze
ти́наtína
(countable, uncountable)The topmost liquid layer of a cesspool or septic tank.
(US, slang, uncountable)Semen.
(countable, derogatory, slang, uncountable)A reprehensible person or persons.
People who sell used-up pens are scum, just total low-lives.
Abschaum, Geschmeiß
подле́цpodléc, негодя́йnegodjáj, сво́лочьsvóločʹ
Examples
27 sentencesTranslations
7 languagesBy meaning 3
By meaning 3
Origin
From Middle English scum, scome, skum, skome, scumme, from Middle Low German or Middle DutFrom Middle English scum, scome, skum, skome, scumme, from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch schūme (“foam”), from Old Dutch *scūm, from Frankish *skūm, from Proto-Germanic *skūmaz (“froth, foam”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kewH- (“to cover, conceal”).
Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Forms
plural: scums / scumSynonyms
35 synonymsWord family
14 related wordsLessons for this word
2 lessons- A1Plural nouns — Because its plural is irregular
- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable