Nautical Term: Oakum
Definition of Oakum
Oakum is a specialized material used for caulking, which is the process of sealing the joints or seams of vessels. Oakum is made from the loose fibers that are carefully extracted from old hemp ropes. The fibers are then collected, twisted, and compacted into the Oakum form.
For instance, imagine a shipbuilder preparing to seal the joints of a newly constructed ship. He would first select an appropriate caulking material, such as Oakum. He would then carefully apply the Oakum to the joint, using a caulking iron to press and shape the Oakum as needed. Once the Oakum is correctly applied and shaped, the shipbuilder would then apply a coat of tar or other sealant over the Oakum to complete the caulking process and ensure a watertight seal for the ship.
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