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 )

Example Sentences

Despite the different colours, the pink and red balls used in Australia do not offer different amounts of swing and seam movement to pace bowlers.

From BBC

A very good pitch is defined having "good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce early in the match, allowing for a balanced contest between batters and bowlers".

From BBC

But this year in particular, it was often the new seams of meaning and feeling actors found in canonical texts, or the emotional truth they brought to new writing, that most impressed me.

From The Wall Street Journal

Science fiction bursts at the seams with bizarre extinction scenarios, usually delivered from space, like the one that precipitates Carol’s irritating life turn.

From Salon

A machine-made ball, it can feel bigger in the hand and has a smaller seam.

From BBC

Related Words

• hem
• joint
• pleat