scab

American  

[skab] / skæb /

noun

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

2. Veterinary Pathology. a mangy disease in animals, especially sheep; scabies.

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.

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verb (used without object)

scabbed, scabbing

1. to become covered with a scab.

2. to act or work as a scab.

scab British  

/ 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 called: blackleg.  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

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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

scab Scientific  

/ skăb /

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

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scab Cultural  

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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Other Word Forms

• scablike adjective

Etymology

Origin of scab

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

Example Sentences

Some companies called on state militia and federal troops to put down uprisings and hired private security forces to protect so-called scabs.

From The Wall Street Journal

On this, his third album, he picks at the scabs of northern working-class life, and rails against a system that leaves families mired in bureaucratic neglect.

From BBC

Another described her underarm skin as developing a pink rash which had "scabbed over".

From BBC

The spots fill up with fluid and become blisters before crusting over to form scabs, which eventually drop off and clear up.

From BBC

They picked at this particular South Africa scab with their verbal armoury of salty snipes when a tense chase began.

From BBC

Related Words

• blister
• crater
• defect
• discoloration
• disfigurement
• flaw
• wound