scour
scour (sko̵ur)
transitive verb
- to clean or polish by vigorous rubbing, as with abrasives, soap and water, etc.; make clean and bright
- to remove dirt and grease from (wool, etc.)
- to wash or clear as by a swift current of water; flush
- to wash away, or remove in this way
- to clear the intestines of; purge
- to clean (wheat)
- to remove as if by cleaning; sweep away; get rid of
Etymology: ME scouren < MDu scuren < ? OFr escurer < VL *excurare, to take great care of < L ex-, intens. + curare, to take care of < cura, care
intransitive verb
- to clean things by vigorous rubbing and polishing
- to become clean and bright by being scoured
noun
- the act of scouring
- a cleansing agent used in scouring
- a scoured place, as a part of a channel where mud has been washed away
- dysentery in cattle, etc.
Related Forms:
- scourer scour′er noun
scour (sko̵ur)
transitive verb
Etymology: ME scouren < ? OFr escourre, to run forth < VL *excurrere < L ex-, out + currere, to run
intransitive verb
Related Forms:
- scourer scour′er noun
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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