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Scrubs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scrubs

[skrÊŒbz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical clothing

Scrubs are the shirts and trousers worn by surgeons, nurses, and other medical personnel in a hospital or other medical environment. They are designed to be easy to clean and to minimize the spread of infection.

Synonyms

hospital clothing, medical uniform.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scrubs

This term is commonly used in medical settings to refer to the specific clothing worn by surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. It implies practical, comfortable clothing designed for cleanliness and ease of movement.

  • The nurse changed into her scrubs before starting her shift
  • Surgeons always wear scrubs in the operating room
medical uniform

This term is more formal and can include a wide range of attire worn by medical professionals, including lab coats, scrubs, and other specialized outfits. It emphasizes the professional and formal aspect of medical attire.

  • Dentists often wear a different type of medical uniform than surgeons
  • The doctor adjusted his medical uniform before seeing his first patient
hospital clothing

This phrase can be used more generally to describe any type of clothing worn in a hospital, whether by patients or staff. It is broader and less specific than 'scrubs'.

  • All staff members must wear appropriate hospital clothing
  • The patient was provided with hospital clothing upon admission

Examples of usage

  • The nurse put on her scrubs before starting her shift.
  • The surgeon changed into clean scrubs before the operation.
Context #2 | Verb

cleaning

To scrub something means to clean it by rubbing its surface hard with a brush and soap. It is often used to describe cleaning a surface thoroughly or vigorously.

Synonyms

clean, wash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scrubs

This word can refer to two main contexts. Firstly, it's often used in a medical context to describe the clothing that healthcare professionals wear. Secondly, it can describe the action of cleaning something rigorously, typically with a brush or abrasive material.

  • The nurse put on her scrubs before starting her shift.
  • She scrubbed the pot to remove the burnt food.
clean

Use this word when referring to removing dirt or impurities from a surface, object, or area. It can apply to various contexts such as cleaning a room, an object, or even figuratively in terms of making something morally or socially acceptable.

  • I need to clean my room before guests arrive.
  • He cleaned the window until it was spotless.
wash

This word is used when talking about cleaning something with water (and often soap), such as clothing, dishes, or parts of the body. It's a common choice for routine cleaning tasks that involve liquids.

  • I need to wash my car this weekend.
  • Don't forget to wash your hands before dinner.

Examples of usage

  • She had to scrub the floor to remove the stubborn stains.
  • He scrubbed the pan until it was sparkling clean.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

  • The TV show 'Scrubs' popularized the term in pop culture, depicting the lives of hospital staff in a humorous and heartfelt way.
  • Many hospitals encourage wearing scrubs outside of the operating room for hygiene, which has led to trends in fashion incorporating scrubs designs.
  • With the rise of healthcare workers during pandemics, scrubs became a symbol of dedication, leading to campaigns supporting healthcare heroes.

Science

  • Scrubs are typically made of cotton or poly-blend fabric which is breathable and easy to clean, making them suitable for long shifts.
  • The use of scrubs helps reduce the risk of spreading infection in medical settings due to their simple design, which is easier to disinfect than regular clothing.
  • Hospitals often use color-coded scrubs to improve organization and identification of medical staff roles quickly.

Psychology

  • Wearing scrubs can have a psychological effect, providing comfort and instantly establishing authority in medical settings.
  • Healthcare professionals often report feeling a sense of pride and identity when wearing scrubs, contributing to their professionalism.
  • The uniformity of scrubs can lead to egalitarianism within hospital staff, as everyone wears similar outfits regardless of hierarchy.

Global Variations

  • While 'scrubs' are common in Western countries, other cultures might have alternative uniforms, although they serve the same hygienic purpose.
  • In some countries, traditional garments are still worn by medical professionals, highlighting cultural differences in medical attire.
  • Internationally, scrubs colors and styles may vary, reflecting local practices, healthcare branding, and cultural significance.

Origin of 'scrubs'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'scrub' originally referred to someone who was a novice or low-ranking, deriving from the Old English word 'scryfan', which means to cut off.
  • In the medical context, 'scrubs' became common in the mid-20th century, as hospitals needed a standardized outfit for their staff.
  • The color of scrubs often signifies different roles in the healthcare setting, with specific colors designated for surgeons, nurses, and emergency responders.

The term 'scrubs' originated in the 1970s in the medical field to refer to the comfortable and easily washable clothing worn by healthcare professionals. The word is derived from the verb 'to scrub,' reflecting the cleanliness and hygiene associated with medical attire. Over the years, scrubs have become a standard uniform in hospitals and clinics around the world, symbolizing professionalism and cleanliness in the medical profession.

See also: scrub, scrubber, scrubbing, scrubland.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,071, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.