seam

American  

[seem] / sim /

noun

1. the line formed by sewing together pieces of cloth, leather, or the like.

2. the stitches used to make such a line.

3. any line formed by abutting edges.

4. any linear indentation or mark, as a wrinkle or scar.

5. Knitting. a line of stitches formed by purling.

6. Geology. a comparatively thin stratum; a bed, as of coal.

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verb (used with object)

1. to join with or as if with stitches; make the seam or seams of.

2. to furrow; mark with wrinkles, scars, etc.

3. Knitting. to knit with or in a seam.

verb (used without object)

1. to become cracked, fissured, or furrowed.

2. Knitting. to make a line of stitches by purling.

seam British  

/ siːm /

noun

1. the line along which pieces of fabric are joined, esp by stitching

2. a ridge or line made by joining two edges

3. a stratum of coal, ore, etc

4. a linear indentation, such as a wrinkle or scar

5. surgery another name for suture

6. (modifier) cricket of or relating to a style of bowling in which the bowler utilizes the stitched seam round the ball in order to make it swing in flight and after touching the ground

   a seam bowler

7. full to overflowing

8. dialect doing well, esp financially

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verb

1. (tr) to join or sew together by or as if by a seam

2. to make ridges in (knitting) using purl stitch

3. to mark or become marked with or as if with a seam or wrinkle

seam Scientific  

/ sēm /

1. A thin layer or stratum, as of coal or rock.

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seam Idioms  

1. see burst at the seams; come apart at the seams.

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Other Word Forms

• seamer noun
• underseam noun

Etymology

Origin of seam

before 1000; Middle English seme (noun), Old English sēam; cognate with German Saum hem; akin to sew ¹, Greek hymḗn membrane ( hymen )

Related Words

• hem
• joint
• pleat