ENGLISH
REFERENCE

seam

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsim// UK //sˈiːm// seam Archaic Dialect

n. the line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together. It can also mean a thin layer of something like coal or gold found underground.

n. the line formed by joining two edges of material, typically fabric or leather; in a geological context, a distinct layer of ore or mineral between layers of rock.


SIMPLE

The seam on my sleeve is starting to come apart.

CONTEXTUAL

The tailor carefully pressed the seam to ensure the suit jacket looked sharp and professional.

COMPLEX

Geologists discovered a rich seam of anthracite coal running deep beneath the valley, promising decades of industrial activity for the local community.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English seem, seme, from Old English sēam (“seam”), from Proto-West Germanic saum, from Proto-Germanic saumaz (“that which is sewn”).

Etymology 2

From the noun seam.

Etymology 3

From Old English sēam (“a burden”), from Latin sagma (“saddle”).

Etymology 4

From Middle English seym (“grease”), from Old French saim (“fat”). Compare French saindoux (“lard”).

Usage

Commonly used in sewing and geology; often appears in the idiom 'bursting at the seams' to describe something very full.

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