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thrums

 - 5 dictionary results

thrum

1  [thruhm] ,verb, thrummed, thrum⋅ming, noun
Use thrums in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
1. to play on a stringed instrument, as a guitar, by plucking the strings, esp. in an idle, monotonous, or unskillful manner; strum.
2. to sound when thrummed on, as a guitar or similar stringed instrument.
3. to drum or tap idly with the fingers.
–verb (used with object)
4. to play (a stringed instrument, or a melody on it) by plucking the strings, esp. in an idle, monotonous, or unskillful manner; strum.
5. to drum or tap idly on.
6. to recite or tell in a monotonous way.
–noun
7. an act or sound of thrumming; dull, monotonous sound.
Origin:
1545–55; imit.

Related forms:
thrummer, noun

thrum

2  [thruhm] ,noun, verb, thrummed, thrum⋅ming.
–noun
1. one of the ends of the warp threads in a loom, left unwoven and remaining attached to the loom when the web is cut off.
2. thrums, the row or fringe of such threads.
3. any short piece of waste thread or yarn; tuft, tassel, or fringe of threads, as at the edge of a piece of cloth.
4. Often, thrums. Nautical. short bits of rope yarn used for making mats.
–verb (used with object)
5. Nautical. to insert short pieces of rope yarn through (canvas) and thus give it a rough surface, as for wrapping about a part to prevent chafing.
6. to furnish or cover with thrums, ends of thread, or tufts.
Origin:
bef. 1000; ME throm end-piece, OE -thrum, in tungethrum ligament of the tongue, c. OHG drum end-piece; akin to ON thrǫmr brim, edge, L terminus, Gk térma end
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To thrums
thrum 1   (thrŭm)   
v.   thrummed, thrum·ming, thrums

v.   tr.

  1. Music To play (a stringed instrument) idly or monotonously: thrummed a guitar.

  2. To speak, repeat, or recite in a monotonous tone of voice; drone.

v.   intr.

  1. Music To strum idly on a stringed instrument.

  2. To speak in a monotonous tone of voice; drone.

n.  A thrumming sound.

[Imitative.]
thrum 2   (thrŭm)   
n.  

    1. The fringe of warp threads left on a loom after the cloth has been cut off.

    2. One of these threads.

  2. A loose end, fringe, or tuft of thread.

  3. thrums Nautical Short bits of rope yarn inserted into canvas to roughen the surface.

tr.v.   thrummed, thrum·ming, thrums

  1. To cover or trim with thrums; fringe.

  2. Nautical To sew thrums in (canvas).


[Middle English, from Old English -thrum, ligament (of the tongue) (in tungethrum, ligament of the tongue).]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

thrum  (v.)
"play a stringed instrument," 1592, from the noun (1553), of imitative origin.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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