Definition of scum

• v. - The extraneous matter or impurities which rise to the surface of liquids in boiling or fermentation, or which form on the surface by other means; also, the scoria of metals in a molten state; dross.
• v. - refuse; recrement; anything vile or worthless.
• v. t. - To take the scum from; to clear off the impure matter from the surface of; to skim.
• v. t. - To sweep or range over the surface of.
• v. i. - To form a scum; to become covered with scum. Also used figuratively.