I. ˈsēm noun
Etymology: Middle English seem, from Old English sēam; akin to Old English sīwian to sew — more at sew
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : the joining of two pieces (as of cloth or leather) by sewing usually near the edge
b. : the stitching used in such a joining
2. : the space between adjacent planks or strakes of a ship
3.
a. : a line, groove, or ridge formed by the abutment of edges
b. : a thin layer or stratum (as of rock) between distinctive layers ; also : a bed of valuable mineral and especially coal irrespective of thickness
c. : a line left by a cut or wound ; also : wrinkle
4. : a weak or vulnerable area or gap
found a seam in the zone defense
• seam·like -ˌlīk adjective
•
- at the seams
II. verb
Date: 1582
transitive verb
1.
a. : to join by sewing
b. : to join as if by sewing (as by welding, riveting, or heat-sealing)
2. : to mark with lines suggesting seams
intransitive verb
: to become fissured or ridgy
• seam·er noun