What does OAKUM mean?

Definition of Oakum

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A material made of tarred fiber ropes that is used for caulking seams in wooden ships and boats.

Pronunciation (US): ˈoʊ.kəm

Pronunciation (UK): ˈəʊ.kəm

Origin and Usage: The word "oakum" is believed to have originated from the Dutch word "oude kamen," which means "old ropes." Oakum has been used for centuries in the shipping industry to seal the seams of wooden ships and boats. It was also used as a cheap and effective insulation material.

Synonyms: Caulking, Packing, Sealing, Stuffing

Related Words: Caulk, Fiber, Hemp, Jute, Flax

Example Sentences:

• The shipbuilder used oakum to seal the seams of the wooden boat.
• The sailors spent hours caulking the ships hull with oakum.
• After the storm, the crew had to replace the damaged oakum in the ships seams.