scab

[ skab ]

/ skæb /

noun

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

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

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.

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.

Slang. a rascal or scoundrel.

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.

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.

to become covered with a scab.

to act or work as a scab.

Words nearby scab

sc.d., sc.d.hyg., sc.d.med., sc.m., sc.m.hyg., scab, scabbard, scabbard fish, scabbardfish, scabbed, scabble

Origin of scab

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

OTHER WORDS FROM scab

scab·like, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for scab

Species do not burrow in the skin, but produce a scab similar to sheep scab.
Handbook of Medical Entomology|William Albert Riley
Scab Johnny says he loaned Mac a dry outfit an' the old boy dug out for breakfast at seven o'clock an' ain't been around since.
Captain Scraggs|Peter B. Kyne
Kjellin rustled up a scab crew and kept the mob off the vessel at the point of a gun.
Cappy Ricks|Peter B. Kyne
Do you know, Guy, I think we shall have no scab in the fold this year.
The Caxtons, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton

The surrounding land is what is locally known as "scab land."
The Archaeology of the Yakima Valley|Harlan Ingersoll Smith

British Dictionary definitions for scab

scab

/ (skæb) /

noun

the dried crusty surface of a healing skin wound or sore

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

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

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

a despicable person

verb scabs, scabbing or scabbed (intr)

to become covered with a scab

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

to replace a striking worker

Derived forms of scab

scablike, adjective

Word Origin for scab

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

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

Medical definitions for scab

scab

[ skăb ]

n.

A crust formed from and covering a healing wound.

Scabies or mange in domestic animals or livestock, especially sheep.

v.

To become covered with scabs or a scab.

Scientific definitions for scab

scab

[ skăb ]

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

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.)

scab

noun

verb (used without object), scabbed, scab·bing.

Words related to scab

Words nearby scab

Origin of scab

OTHER WORDS FROM scab

Examples from the Web for scab

British Dictionary definitions for scab

noun

verb scabs, scabbing or scabbed (intr)

Derived forms of scab

Word Origin for scab

Medical definitions for scab

n.

v.

Scientific definitions for scab

Cultural definitions for scab