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Swab Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฉน
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swab

[swษ’b ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

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

Synonyms

gauze, pad, wipe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swab

Used primarily in medical contexts for cleaning wounds or applying medication. Often a small piece of absorbent material.

  • The nurse used a swab to clean the cut before applying a bandage.
  • He took a swab from the patientโ€™s mouth for a DNA test.
pad

Commonly used to refer to a piece of soft material that provides cushioning or protection. Also used in medical settings for dressings.

  • She placed a pad under her knee for comfort while kneeling.
  • The nurse used a sterile pad to cover the incision after the surgery.
gauze

Utilized for medical purposes, particularly in dressing wounds or as a barrier to infection. It is a thin, transparent fabric.

  • The doctor placed gauze over the burn to prevent infection.
  • Gauze pads were used to absorb the blood from the wound.
wipe

Used for cleaning or removing dirt, usually a disposable cloth or piece of material. Can have a more general usage compared to โ€˜swabโ€™ and โ€˜gauzeโ€™.

  • He used a disinfectant wipe to clean the surface of the table.
  • Makeup wipes are handy for removing cosmetics at the end of the day.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swab

Usually used in medical settings for cleaning wounds, taking samples, or applying medication.

  • The nurse used a swab to clean the wound.
  • They took a swab sample from his throat to test for infection.
cotton ball

Commonly used in personal care for applying or removing makeup, as well as for various household tasks.

  • She used a cotton ball to apply toner to her face.
  • He used a cotton ball to clean the baby's ear.
sponge

Often used for cleaning surfaces, washing dishes, or in personal care like taking a bath.

  • She cleaned the kitchen counter with a sponge.
  • He took a sponge bath after the surgery.
tissue

Used for wiping or blowing one's nose, as well as for cleaning up small spills or tears.

  • She handed him a tissue to wipe his tears.
  • He used a tissue to blow his nose.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swab

This term is commonly used in medical or clinical settings when collecting samples (e.g., for a COVID-19 test) or cleaning wounds with a cotton swab.

  • Nurses swabbed the patient's throat for a sample
  • The doctor swabbed the wound with antiseptic
clean

A general term used in everyday situations to describe the act of removing dirt, dust, or impurities from surfaces, objects, or areas.

  • She cleaned the house before the guests arrived
  • Make sure to clean the kitchen after cooking
wipe

Used when referring to the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a cloth, tissue, or similar item, often to remove spills or dust.

  • He wiped the table after dinner
  • The janitor wiped the windows clean
sanitize

This term is often used to describe the process of making something free from bacteria or other harmful substances, especially in healthcare or food service settings.

  • They sanitized the countertops before preparing the food
  • Hand sanitizer helps to sanitize your hands

Examples of usage

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

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • In healthcare, a swab is commonly used to collect samples from patients to test for infections or diseases.
  • Swabs can be made of different materials depending on their use, such as sterile cotton or synthetic fibers.
  • The use of swabs in PCR testing revolutionized how infectious diseases are diagnosed, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Science

  • Scientists frequently use swabs in laboratory settings to collect samples for microbial analysis.
  • Swabbing techniques can influence the accuracy of test results; hence, proper methods are crucial.
  • Environmental swabs are used to monitor cleanliness in food preparation areas to ensure safety and hygiene.

Culture

  • In criminal investigation dramas, swabs play a key role in forensic science, helping to collect evidence from crime scenes.
  • The word 'swab' is also seen in military contexts, where it refers to cleaning and maintenance of weaponry.
  • In artistic performances, like theater, swabs can symbolize the act of cleaning away past mistakes to make room for new expressions.

Origin of 'swab'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'swab' comes from the Old English 'swabba', which means to mop or wipe.
  • In the 19th century, 'swab' began to also refer to taking bodily samples, especially in medical contexts.
  • The term has roots in nautical language, referring to cleaning decks on ships.

The word 'swab' originated from the Old English word 'swฤb' 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.