n.
Pronunciation: ' ō -k ə m
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English okum, from Old English ā cumba tow, from ā - (separative & perfective prefix) + -cumba (akin to Old English camb comb) ― more at ABIDE
Date: 15th century
: loosely twisted hemp or jute fiber impregnated with tar or a tar derivative and used in caulking seams and packing joints