古英語のseam(縫う、接合する)から、原ゲルマン語*saumaz(縫う)から、PIE*syu(縫う)から、語源
Chidynge and reproche ... vnsowen the semes of freendshipe in mannes herte. [Chaucer, "Parson's Tale," c. 1386]Meaning "raised band of stitching on a ball" is recorded from 1888. Geological use is from 1590s.