scram

¹

[ skram ]

verb (used without object)

, Informal.

, scrammed, scram·ming.

1. to go away; get out (usually used as a command):

   I said I was busy, so scram.

scram

²

[ skram ]

noun

1. the rapid shutdown of a nuclear reactor in an emergency.

verb (used with object)

1. to shut down (a nuclear reactor) rapidly in an emergency.

scram

¹

/ skræm /

verb

1. informal.
   intr; often imperative to go away hastily; get out

scram

²

/ skræm /

noun

1. an emergency shutdown of a nuclear reactor

verb

1. (of a nuclear reactor) to shut down or be shut down in an emergency

Word History and Origins

Origin of scram¹

1925–30; probably shortened form of scramble (but compare German schramm, imperative singular of schrammen to depart)

Origin of scram²

1945–50; perhaps identical with scram ¹, though sense development is unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of scram¹

C20: shortened from scramble

Origin of scram²

C20: perhaps from scram ¹

Example Sentences

First there's the SCRAM system, it automatically ejects the control rods into the core and shuts the plant down.

From The Daily Beast

We ought to abandon the Glory to her place in the sun and scram out of here in the lifeboatsevery last person aboard ship.

From Project Gutenberg

Gibbering, I tried to get away, to flee or scram, but it was too late.

From Project Gutenberg

"Yeah—she'll be here, all right, thanks to you—scram—" answered Evelyn, as he went out the door.

From Project Gutenberg

To the girls she said, “Scram, if you want me downstairs in two minutes.”

From Project Gutenberg

"Maybe we had better scram out of here, Joe," Abdul suggested.

From Project Gutenberg