scratches

American  

[skrach-iz] / ˈskrætʃ ɪz /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a disease of horses marked by dry rifts or chaps that appear on the skin near the fetlock, behind the knee, or in front of the hock.

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scratches British  

/ ˈskrætʃɪz /

noun

1. Also called: cracked heels.   mud fever.  (functioning as singular) a disease of horses characterized by dermatitis in the region of the fetlock

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Etymology

Origin of scratches

First recorded in 1605–15; scratch, -s ³

Example Sentences

The scratches are smaller than a bear’s, and there’s mud on the bark.’

From Literature

“Our 737 program is performing rework on a group of airplanes to fix wires that have small scratches due to a machining error,” a Boeing spokesperson said.

From Barron's

Fran makes me sit on a little bench near her garden, and Jonah takes the leash from her and scratches Baxter’s back while she goes inside.

From Literature

Several key contributors such as Venezuela’s Jose Altuve and Puerto Rico’s Carlos Correa were late scratches from the tournament because the WBC’s insurance provider denied them policies due to their injury history.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Flock’s AI-powered cameras go even further by also documenting other identifying vehicle details, such as make, model and color, as well as any distinctive markings like scratches or dents on a bumper.

From Los Angeles Times