n.
Pronunciation: ' sk ə m
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle Dutch schum; akin to Old High German sc ū m foam
Date: 14th century
1 a : extraneous matter or impurities risen to or formed on the surface of a liquid often as a foul filmy covering ― compare POND SCUM 2 b : the scoria of metals in a molten state : DROSS c : a slimy film on a solid or gelatinous object
2 a : REFUSE b : a low, vile, or worthless person or group of people
– scum · my \ ' sk ə -m ē \ adjective