foam

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. a soft, light material used to make things like cushions, mattresses, or sponges.

n. a lightweight, cellular solid material manufactured by trapping gas in a polymer, used for insulation or cushioning.

“The old sofa was uncomfortable because the foam inside had become too thin.”

“The package was lined with protective foam to ensure the delicate electronic components were not damaged during transit.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary

n. a poetic way to talk about the sea or the ocean.

n. a metonymic or poetic reference to the sea, specifically the frothy surface of waves.

“The poet wrote about the white foam of the distant Atlantic.”

“The ancient mariner watched the white foam trail behind the ship as they sailed toward the unknown horizon.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to produce or become covered in a mass of small bubbles.

v. to produce, emit, or become converted into foam; often used of liquids being shaken or agitated.

“The soap began to foam as soon as she rubbed her hands together under the water.”

“The chemical solution started to foam violently when the catalyst was introduced to the beaker.”

C1 · Advanced Informal

v. to be extremely angry about something.

v. to exhibit signs of extreme rage or fury; typically used in the idiom 'foaming at the mouth'.

“My boss was practically foaming at the mouth when he saw the sales report.”

“The protesters were foaming at the mouth with indignation after the controversial legislation was passed without a public hearing.”