foams

Noun

foam (countable and uncountable, plural foams)

1. A substance composed of a large collection of bubbles or their solidified remains, especially
   • Similarly, the biotech giant Cargill has begun manufacturing a polymer from vegetable oils that is used in polyurethane foams, which is found in beddings, furniture and car-seat headrests.2008 April 9, Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, “Harnessing Biology, and Avoiding Oil, for Chemical Goods”, in The New York Times

   Synonyms:

   froth

2. A collection of small bubbles created when the surface of a body of water is moved by tides, wind, etc.
   • ’Tis thou that rigg’st the bark and plough’st the foam,c. 1605–1608 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life of Tymon of Athens”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and...

   Synonyms:

   froth, surf, spindrift, spume, spray

3. A collection of small bubbles formed from bodily fluids such as saliva or sweat.
   • “Again. Tell it again!” cried Fagin, tightening his grasp on Sikes, and brandishing his other hand aloft as the foam flew from his lips.1838, Boz [pseudonym; Charles Dickens], Oliver Twist; […], volume (please specify |volume=I, II, or III), London: Richard Bentley, […], →OCLC, page 190

   Synonyms:

   froth

4. A collection of small bubbles on the surface of a liquid that is heated, fermented or carbonated.
   • a quart jug with a crown of foam upon it1859, George Eliot [pseudonym; Mary Ann Evans], chapter 21, in Adam Bede […], volume II, Edinburgh; London: William Blackwood and Sons, →OCLC, book second, page 122

   Synonyms:

   froth, effervescence, fizz, head, mousse

5. A collection of small bubbles created by mixing soap with water.
   • […] she concentrated on the foam in the sink, tempering the water.1964, Saul Bellow, Herzog, New York: Viking, page 255

   Synonyms:

   froth, lather, suds

6. A collection of small bubbles formed by mixing an extinguishing agent with water, used to cover and extinguish fires.

   Synonyms:

   froth

See all 14 meanings of foam