swab
or swob
[ swob ]
/ swɒb /
noun
verb (used with object), swabbed, swab·bing.
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Origin of swab
First recorded in 1645–55; back formation from swabber
OTHER WORDS FROM swab
un·swabbed, adjectiveDefinition for swab (2 of 2)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for swab
British Dictionary definitions for swab
swab
/ (swɒb) /
noun
med
- a small piece of cotton, gauze, etc, for use in applying medication, cleansing a wound, or obtaining a specimen of a secretion, etc
- the specimen so obtained
a mop for cleaning floors, decks, etc
a brush used to clean a firearm's bore
slang an uncouth or worthless fellow
verb swabs, swabbing or swabbed
(tr) to clean or medicate with or as if with a swab
(tr foll by up) to take up with a swab
Word Origin for swab
C16: probably from Middle Dutch swabbe mop; related to Norwegian svabba to splash, Dutch zwabberen to mop, German schwappen to slop over
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for swab
swab
[ swŏb ]
n.
A small piece of absorbent material attached to the end of a stick or wire and used for cleansing or applying medicine.
A specimen of mucus or other material removed with a swab.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.