wem

noun

ˈwem
plural -s
1
archaic : a moral stain
2
chiefly dialectal : a flaw or stain in something material
3
archaic : a bodily spot or scar

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration (influenced by wemmen to stain, from Old English wemman, from wamm spot, stain) of Old English wamm spot, stain; akin to Old Saxon wam evil, crime, Old Norse vamm blemish, Gothic wamm spot and perhaps to Old Norse vāma sickness, nausea

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near wem

Cite this Entry

“Wem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wem. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!