scum

About 0.79 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun A layer of impurities that accumulates at the surface of a liquid (especially molten metal or water).

   During smelting, scum rises to the surface and is then removed by the smelter.

2. noun A greenish water vegetation (such as algae), usually found floating on the surface of ponds

   These organisms form scum in large quantities.

3. noun The topmost liquid layer of a cesspool or septic tank.
4. noun Semen. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
5. noun A reprehensible person or persons.

   People who sell used-up pens are scum, just total low-lives.

6. verb To remove the layer of scum from (a liquid etc.).
7. verb To remove (something) as scum.
8. verb To become covered with scum.

Similar words

trash dross filthy filth dirty junk waste rubbish dirtbag rot

Often followed by

of and on that is from which in or

Word family

scummed scummier scummiest scumming scummy scums