Showing results for "scratches"

• plural of scratch.
• present tense form of scratch (3rd person singular).

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; see origin at scratch, -s ³

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

scratches

Clover’s long, tasseled ears collect leaves, grass, and assorted debris on walks, and she scratches them out semiregularly.

From Slate ● Jun. 20, 2026

The bonnet of the car was left with two scratches that he estimated would cost up to £300 to get fixed professionally.

From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026

Some looked almost identical to the classic “toothpick grooves” of fossil humans, complete with fine parallel scratches and tapering shapes.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 8, 2026

“Once I finished playing, I missed that competitive edge. When I realized I could do it in reffing, I was like, ‘Oh, this scratches that itch that I miss.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 2026

Her hands stung where small scratches had accumulated.

From "Homecoming" by Cynthia Voigt