Define the word Oakum"Oakum" gcide "The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48"
Oakum \Oak"um\ ([=o]k"[u^]m), n. [AS. [=a]cumba; pref. [=a]-
(cf. G. er-, Goth. us-, orig. meaning, out) + cemban to comb,
camb comb. See Comb.]
1. The material obtained by untwisting and picking into loose
fiber old hemp ropes; -- used for calking the seams of
ships, stopping leaks, etc.
[1913 Webster]
2. The coarse portion separated from flax or hemp in
nackling. --Knight.
[1913 Webster]
White oakum, that made from untarred rope.
[1913 Webster]
"oakum" wn "WordNet (r) 2.0"
oakum
n : loose hemp or jute fiber obtained by unravelling old ropes;
when impregnated with tar it was used to caulk seams and
pack joints in wooden ships
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