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oakum

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oakum

Main Entry:: oa·kum
Pronunciation:: \ˈō-kəm\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English okum, from Old English ācumba tow, from ā- (separative & perfective prefix) + -cumba (akin to Old English camb comb) — more at abide
Date:: 15th century

: loosely twisted hemp or jute fiber impregnated with tar or a tar derivative and used in caulking seams and packing joints

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