Scrum vs. Scum

Scrumnoun

A tightly-packed and disorderly crowd of people.

‘A scrum developed around the bar when free beer was announced.’;

Scumnoun

(uncountable) 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.’;

Scrumnoun

(Canada) Specifically used in the Canadian media to describe a tightly-packed group of reporters surrounding a member of the Canadian House of Commons while in the Parliament Buildings.

‘A scrum formed around Scott Brison shortly after he announced his candidacy for the federal Liberal leadership.’;

Scumnoun

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

‘These organisms form scum in large quantities.’;

Scrumnoun

(rugby) In rugby union or rugby league, all the forwards joined together in an organised way. Also known as a scrummage.

Scumnoun

The topmost liquid layer of a cesspool or septic tank.

Scrumnoun

In Agile software development, a daily meeting in which each developer describes what they have been doing, what they plan to do next, and any impediments to progress.

Scumnoun

semen

Scrumnoun

(rugby) the method of beginning play in which the forwards of each team crouch side by side with locked arms; play starts when the ball thrown in between them and the two sides compete for possession

Scumnoun

A reprehensible person or persons.

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

Scumverb

To remove the layer of scum from (a liquid etc.).

Scumverb

To remove (something) as scum.

Scumverb

To become covered with scum.

Scumverb

(obsolete) To scour (the land, sea etc.).

Scumverb

(obsolete) To gather together, as scum.

Scumverb

To startscum or savescum.

Scumnoun

The extraneous matter or impurities which rise to the surface of liquids in boiling or fermentation, or which form on the surface by other means; also, the scoria of metals in a molten state; dross.

‘Some to remove the scum as it did rise.’;

Scumnoun

refuse; recrement; anything vile or worthless.

‘The great and innocent are insulted by the scum and refuse of the people.’;

Scumverb

To take the scum from; to clear off the impure matter from the surface of; to skim.

‘You that scum the molten lead.’;

Scumverb

To sweep or range over the surface of.

‘Wandering up and down without certain seat, they lived by scumming those seas and shores as pirates.’;

Scumverb

To form a scum; to become covered with scum. Also used figuratively.

‘Life, and the interest of life, have stagnated and scummed over.’;

Scumnoun

worthless people

Scumnoun

a film of impurities or vegetation that can form on the surface of a liquid