n.
- an absorbent pad used in surgery and medicine for cleaning wounds or applying medication.
▸a specimen of a secretion taken with a swab.
- a mop or other absorbent device for cleaning or mopping up.
- archaic a contemptible person.
▸US another term for swabbie.
v.
(swabs, swabbing, swabbed)
clean or absorb with a swab.
Etymology
C17: back-form. from swabber ‘sailor detailed to swab decks’, from early mod. Du. zwabber.
