Thrums

Thrums is the plural form of thrum, a term with several senses in English. In acoustic usage, thrums describe a low, continuous droning or vibrating sound, such as the thrumming of an engine, a distant bass line, or the beating of wings. The word can refer to the sound itself or the state of producing such a sound.

In textile and weaving contexts, a thrum is a short length of yarn or fiber left over from weaving or knitting. Thrums may be used deliberately to add texture or decorative effect, most notably in the making of rag rugs and in thrumming techniques that leave tufted or shaggy surfaces on fabric. Historically, thrums referred to the rough or loose ends of weaving that might be incorporated into the finished material or cut away, depending on the technique.

As a verb, thrum means to strike, rub, or pluck with a dull, rhythmic motion, or to cause something to thrum. This usage emphasizes the soft, repetitive character of the sound or action, such as fingers thrumming on a table or a stringed instrument being played in a relaxed, rhythmic way.

Overall, thrums encompass both audible phenomena and textile practices, linked by the common theme of a steady, muffled, rhythmic element.