First Known Use: 1653
Dictionary
1swab
noun \ˈswäb\
: a small piece of soft material sometimes on the end of a small stick that is used for applying medicine, cleaning a wound, etc.
: a small amount of material taken with a swab as a sample from a person's body
Full Definition of SWAB
1
a : mop; especially : a yarn mop b (1) : a wad of absorbent material usually wound around one end of a small stick and used especially for applying medication or for removing material from an area (2) : a specimen taken with a swab c : a sponge or cloth patch attached to a long handle and used to clean the bore of a firearm
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Origin of SWAB
probably from obsolete Dutch swabbe; akin to Low German swabber mop
Related to SWAB
2swab
transitive verb
: to wipe or clean (something, such as a wound) with a swab
swabbedswab·bing
Full Definition of SWAB
1
: to clean with or as if with a swab
2
: to apply medication to with a swab <swabbed the wound with iodine>
Origin of SWAB
back-formation from swabber
First Known Use: 1719
SWAB Defined for Kids
1swab
noun \ˈswäb\
Definition of SWAB for Kids
1
: a yarn mop especially as used on a ship
2
: a wad of absorbent material usually wound around the end of a small stick and used for applying or removing material (as medicine or makeup)
2swab
verb
swabbedswab·bing
Definition of SWAB for Kids
1
: to clean with or as if with a mop <A boy swabbed the ship's deck.>
2
: to apply medication to with a wad of absorbent material <A nurse swabbed the wound with iodine.>
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Seen & Heard
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