transitive verb

1. to clean or polish by vigorous rubbing, as with abrasives, soap and water, etc.; make clean and bright
2. to remove dirt and grease from (wool, etc.)
3. 1. to wash or clear as by a swift current of water; flush
   2. to wash away, or remove in this way
4. to clear the intestines of; purge
5. to clean (wheat)
6. 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

1. to clean things by vigorous rubbing and polishing
2. to become clean and bright by being scoured

noun

1. the act of scouring
2. a cleansing agent used in scouring
3. a scoured place, as a part of a channel where mud has been washed away
4. dysentery in cattle, etc.