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Scleroma

Part of Speech: noun

Induration of the tissues. See Sclerema, Scleroderma, and Sclerosis.

Webster dictionary was developed by Noah Webster in the beginning of 19th century. On this website, you can find definition for oakum from the 1913 edition of Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary. Define oakum using one of the most comprehensive free online dictionaries on the web.

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oakum

Part of Speech: noun

Results: 2

1. The coarse portion separated from flax or hemp in nackling.

2. The material obtained by untwisting and picking into loose fiber old hemp ropes; - used for calking the seams of ships, stopping leaks, etc.

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Examples of usage:

She wears a cap, and her hair's cut off like an oakum- picker's. - "The Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith", George Meredith.
These ships are from forty to sixty tons burden, having their planks sewed together with twine made of the bark of the date- palm; and, instead of oakum, their seams are filled with slips of the same bark, of which also their tackle is made. - "A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol. VIII.", Robert Kerr.
I could not but signify my approbation of the justness of Jack's reflections, and inquired into the occasion of the quarrel between Captain Oakum and my uncle, which he explained in this manner: Captain Oakum, to be sure, is a good man enough- besides, he's my commander; but what's that to me? - "The Adventures of Roderick Random", Tobias Smollett.

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