Definition

A type of loose fiber made from hemp or jute, often treated with tar, used mainly for sealing gaps in wooden ships and for packing joints in pipes.

Example

The shipwright used oakum to ensure that the seams of the wooden ship were watertight.

Conversation

Have you ever worked with oakum before?

No, I haven't. What is it used for?

It's mainly used for caulking seams in wooden boats.

That sounds interesting; I’d love to learn more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'oakum' originates from Middle English 'okum', which is derived from Old Norse 'okum', meaning a type of fiber made from hemp or flax used for caulking ships. It refers specifically to the material used in shipbuilding and repair.

Memory Tip

Think of 'oakum' as a special fiber used in shipbuilding, connecting it to its Old Norse roots where it was used for caulking ships.

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