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oakum
[ oh-kuhm ]
noun
- loose fiber obtained by untwisting and picking apart old ropes, used for caulking the seams of ships.
oakum
/ ˈəʊkəm /
noun
- loose fibre obtained by unravelling old rope, used esp for caulking seams in wooden ships
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Word History and Origins
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Word History and Origins
Origin of oakum1
Old English ācuma, variant of ācumba, literally: off-combings, from ā- off + -cumba, from cemban to comb
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Example Sentences
Nor was even breaking stone or picking oakum to be paid for as wages, or regarded as employment.
From Project Gutenberg
On the floor he spread a lot of wet oakum wads to prevent the splashing of the metal setting the floor afire.
From Project Gutenberg
The oakum is forced tight enough to make a water-tight joint.
From Project Gutenberg
This piece of oakum is forced to the bottom of the hub, then another piece is put in.
From Project Gutenberg
A wad of oakum is taken and forced into the hub with the yarning iron.
From Project Gutenberg
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