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to scum

to scum

1 8.9
To remove a dirty layer from the top of a liquid
  • verb
  • /skʌm/
translation icon : desespumar

Examples

  • -I should kill you, you ugly scum.

  • You scum.

  • To ensure the water is clean, you should scum off the residue from the surface.

  • Before using the oil, be sure to scum it to remove any impurities.

  • He took a skimmer to scum the top of the pond and keep it clear.

Synonyms

to purify
vsto scum
30 4.6

To remove dirt and bad chemicals from water or air to make them clean

focuses on removing only the thin surface layer rather than full purification
to skim off
vsto scum
1 3.7

Take oil or fat from the top of a liquid using a spoon

is focused on clearing surface impurities rather than deep cleaning
to skim
vsto scum
1 3.4

Take a thin layer off the top of a liquid

is about removing surface impurities rather than full cleaning
1 1.0

To remove dirt or mud from a surface

targets only thin surface impurities on liquids rather than all dirt

Idioms

scum of the earth
  • Offensive
9 8.7

A cruel, dishonest person that many people hate

Compounds

2 5.4

A green slippery layer of tiny plants that floats on the surface of still water

scum bag
  • Offensive
1 8.9

A very bad person who treats other people cruelly

pond-scum parasite
  • Specialized
9.9

A small fungus that lives on and harms algae in ponds

How Thorough

to sterilize
  • Specialized
29 4.1
to purify
30 4.6
to clarify
  • Specialized
5 4.2
to scum
1 8.9
to skim
1 3.4

Surface Forms

scum infinitive
scummed past
scummed past participle
scumming present participle
scums third person singular

Etymology

The verb scum comes from the noun scum and originally meant to remove the foamy, dirty top from a liquid. So to scum your soup or jam is to take off that unwanted layer so the food stays clear.