■ noun
1》 a line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together in a garment or other article.
↘a line where the edges of two pieces of wood or other material touch each other.
2》 an underground layer of a mineral such as coal or gold.
3》 a long thin indentation or scar.
■ verb
1》 join with a ~.
2》 [usu. as adjective ~ed ] make a long, narrow indentation in.
Phrases
bursting (or bulging ) at the ~s informal full to overflowing.
come (or fall ) apart at the ~s informal be in a very poor condition and near to collapse.
Origin
OE sēam , of Gmc origin.