seam
UK: siːm | US: siːm
n. a line where two pieces of fabric are joined together by stitching
n. a thin layer or stratum of a natural resource (e.g., coal, ore)
vt. to join with a seam
The word "seam" traces back to Old English sēam, meaning "a joining" or "stitch," derived from Proto-Germanic *saumaz. It is related to the verb "to sew" (Old English sēowan), reflecting its original association with stitching fabric. Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to describe natural layers (e.g., coal seams) resembling stitched lines.
She carefully stitched the seam of the dress to ensure it was durable.
The miners extracted coal from a thick seam deep underground.
The tailor reinforced the seam to prevent fraying.
Over time, the seam of the old quilt began to unravel.
Geologists studied the rock seam to understand its formation.