scab

[ skab ]
See synonyms for: scabscabbedscabbing on Thesaurus.com

noun
  1. the incrustation that forms over a sore or wound during healing.

  2. Veterinary Pathology. a mangy disease in animals, especially sheep; scabies.: Compare itch (def. 10).

  1. Plant Pathology.

    • a disease of plants characterized by crustlike lesions on the affected parts and caused by a fungus or bacterium.

    • one of these crustlike lesions.

  2. a worker who refuses to join a labor union or to participate in a union strike, who takes a striking worker's place on the job, or the like.

  3. Slang. a rascal or scoundrel.

  4. Metallurgy.

    • a projection or roughness on an ingot or casting from a defective mold.

    • a surface defect on an iron or steel piece resulting from the rolling in of scale.

  5. Carpentry. a short, flat piece of wood used for various purposes, as binding two timbers butted together or strengthening a timber at a weak spot.

verb (used without object),scabbed, scab·bing.
  1. to become covered with a scab.

  2. to act or work as a scab.

Origin of scab

1
1200–50; 1800–10 for def. 4; Middle English <Old Norse skabb scab, itch; cf. shabby, shave

Other words from scab

  • scablike, adjective

Words Nearby scab

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use scab in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for scab

scab

/ (skæb) /


noun
  1. the dried crusty surface of a healing skin wound or sore

  2. a contagious disease of sheep, a form of mange, caused by a mite (Psoroptes communis)

  1. a fungal disease of plants characterized by crusty spots on the fruits, leaves, etc

  2. derogatory

    • Also called: blackleg a person who refuses to support a trade union's actions, esp one who replaces a worker who is on strike

    • (as modifier): scab labour

  3. a despicable person

verbscabs, scabbing or scabbed (intr)
  1. to become covered with a scab

  2. (of a road surface) to become loose so that potholes develop

  1. to replace a striking worker

Origin of scab

1
Old English sceabb; related to Old Norse skabb, Latin scabiēs, Middle Low German schabbe scoundrel, German schäbig shabby

Derived forms of scab

  • scablike, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for scab

scab

[ skăb ]


  1. A crust that forms over a healing wound, consisting of dried blood, plasma, and other secretions.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for scab

scab

Informally, a worker who stays on the job while others go on strike. Also, a worker brought in to keep a plant operating when its work force is on strike. (See strikebreaker.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.