Scour

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aÊŠÉ™(ɹ)

Alternative forms

• scower obsolete

Origin

Middle English, from Middle Dutch scuren, schuren ("to polish, to clean"), and from Old French escurer, both from Late Latin excuro ("clean off"), from Latin ex ("thoroughly") + curo ("take care of")

Full definition of scour

Verb

1. To clean, polish, or wash something by scrubbing it vigorously.He scoured the burner pans to remove the burnt spills.
2. To remove by rubbing or cleansing; to sweep along or off.He scoured the burnt food from the pan.
• Shakespearewill stain my favors in a bloody mask,
  Which, washed away, shall scour my shame with it.
3. To search an area thoroughly.They scoured the scene of the crime for clues.
4. (ambitransitive) To move swiftly over; to brush along.
• Alexander Popewhen swift Camilla scours the plain
• DrydenSo four fierce coursers, starting to the race,
  Scour through the plain, and lengthen every pace.
5. (intransitive, veterinary medicine) Of livestock, to suffer from diarrhea.If a lamb is scouring, do not delay treatment.
6. (transitive, veterinary medicine) To purge.to scour a horse
7. (obsolete) To cleanse.
• Francis BaconWarm water is softer than cold, for it scoureth better.

Derived terms

• scourer