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Swab: meaning, definitions and examples

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swab

 

[ swɒb ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

medical

A small piece of soft material used for cleaning wounds or applying medication.

Synonyms

gauze, pad, wipe

Examples of usage

  • The nurse used a swab to clean the cut on my arm.
  • The doctor took a swab of the patient's throat for testing.
Context #2 | Noun

laboratory

A small piece of absorbent material, such as cotton, used for taking samples or cleaning surfaces.

Synonyms

cotton ball, sponge, tissue

Examples of usage

  • The scientist used a swab to collect a sample from the petri dish.
  • The lab technician swabbed the countertop before starting the experiment.
Context #3 | Verb

medical

To clean or apply medication with a swab.

Synonyms

clean, sanitize, wipe

Examples of usage

  • The nurse will swab the wound before bandaging it.
  • Please swab the area with alcohol before giving the injection.

Translations

Translations of the word "swab" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cotonete

🇮🇳 रुई का फाहा

🇩🇪 Wattestäbchen

🇮🇩 kapas

🇺🇦 ватний тампон

🇵🇱 wacik

🇯🇵 綿棒 (めんぼう)

🇫🇷 écouvillon

🇪🇸 hisopo

🇹🇷 pamuklu çubuk

🇰🇷 면봉

🇸🇦 مسحة قطنية

🇨🇿 tampón

🇸🇰 vatový tampón

🇨🇳 棉签

🇸🇮 vatirana palčka

🇮🇸 bómullarpinni

🇰🇿 мақта таяқшасы

🇬🇪 ბამბის ჩხირი

🇦🇿 pambıq çubuğu

🇲🇽 hisopo

Word origin

The word 'swab' originated from the Old English word 'swāb' which meant a mop or a piece of absorbent material. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the small pieces of material used for cleaning or taking samples. Swabs have been commonly used in medical and laboratory settings for centuries to ensure hygiene and collect samples for testing.

See also: swabbing.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,851, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.