Main Entry:

¹seam

Pronunciation:

\ˈsēm\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English seem, from Old English sēam; akin to Old English sīwian to sew — more at sew

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: the joining of two pieces (as of cloth or leather) by sewing usually near the edge b: the stitching used in such a joining2: the space between adjacent planks or strakes of a ship3 a: a line, groove, or ridge formed by the abutment of edges b: a thin layer or stratum (as of rock) between distinctive layers ; also : a bed of valuable mineral and especially coal irrespective of thickness c: a line left by a cut or wound ; also : wrinkle4: a weak or vulnerable area or gap <found a seam in the zone defense>

— seam·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

— at the seams

: entirely, completely <falling apart at the seams>