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View synonyms for scab

scab

[ skab ]

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 ).
  3. Plant Pathology.
    1. a disease of plants characterized by crustlike lesions on the affected parts and caused by a fungus or bacterium.
    2. one of these crustlike lesions.
  4. 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.
  5. Slang. a rascal or scoundrel.
  6. Metallurgy.
    1. a projection or roughness on an ingot or casting from a defective mold.
    2. a surface defect on an iron or steel piece resulting from the rolling in of scale.
  7. 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.

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 )
  3. a fungal disease of plants characterized by crusty spots on the fruits, leaves, etc
  4. derogatory.
    1. Also calledblackleg a person who refuses to support a trade union's actions, esp one who replaces a worker who is on strike
    2. ( as modifier )

      scab labour

  5. a despicable person
“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


verb

  1. to become covered with a scab
  2. (of a road surface) to become loose so that potholes develop
  3. to replace a striking worker
“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

scab

/ skăb /

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


scab

  1. 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 .)


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Derived Forms

  • ˈscabˌlike, adjective
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Other Words From

  • scablike adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of scab1

1200–50; 1800–10 scab fordef 4; Middle English < Old Norse skabb scab, itch; shabby, shave
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Word History and Origins

Origin of scab1

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

This wound eventually forms a scab and can shed virus, so it must be properly cared for.

That positive diagnosis is also a signal that the infected person should begin home isolation and continue until all lesions have healed, scabs have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed.

From Time

From thousands of feet above, the bay is a broad sheet of blue, flecked by scabs of land and coastline.

At the same time, Gen Z’s army of TikTok creators linked virtual arms with striking workers at Kellogg’s, using their internet savvy to hobble the breakfast titan’s efforts to undermine the strike by hiring scab workers.

Before vaccines, physicians would blow smallpox scabs up people’s noses or stab them with pus-laced needles to build up their resistance to the virus.

Late last week, Baez was successful in scratching the ugly scab of Anthony family dysfunction.

The vesicles dry gradually, and between the fourteenth and twentieth days the scab falls off, leaving a pitted scar.

Across his back there was a furrow through his fur, and a long scab where a bullet had raked him.

I think the colonial surgeons call the disease the "bush scab;" and that it is occasioned by a filthy mode of life.

These continue for a short time, break, discharge their matter, and are followed by a blackish scab.

There is not the least bit of sense in belonging to a union if you are to become a "scab" when you go to the ballot-box.

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Scscabbard