oakum

[ˈəʊkəm]

oakum Definition

loose fibre obtained by untwisting old ropes, used especially in caulking wooden ships.

Using oakum: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "oakum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The shipbuilder used oakum to fill the gaps between the planks of the hull.

• Example

  The sailors spent hours caulking the ship with oakum.

• Example

  The oakum was soaked in tar before being used for caulking.

oakum Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for oakum

• caulking
• packing
• stuffing

Phrases with oakum

• pick oakum

  a menial task of untwisting old ropes to obtain oakum, typically performed by prisoners

  Example

  He was sentenced to pick oakum as punishment for his crime.

• oakum room

  a room in a prison where inmates are required to pick oakum as a form of hard labor

  Example

  The conditions in the oakum room were harsh and degrading.

• oakum beard

  a beard that is matted and tangled like oakum

  Example

  He had a long oakum beard that made him look like a pirate.

Origins of oakum

from Middle English 'okome', from Old English 'ācumba', meaning 'tow made of oak fiber'

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Summary: oakum in Brief

'Oakum' [ˈəʊkəm] refers to loose fibers obtained by untwisting old ropes, used mainly for caulking wooden ships. It is often soaked in tar before use. The phrase 'pick oakum' describes a menial task of untwisting old ropes to obtain oakum, typically performed by prisoners.