swab
noun
Pronunciation: /swɒb/
Definition
A small piece of absorbent material attached to the end of a stick, used for cleaning a wound, applying medication, or taking a medical specimen.
Examples
The doctor asked the patient to swab the area with antiseptic before applying the bandage.
DNA testing often requires a simple cheek swab to gather genetic material.
She used a cotton swab to gently clean the delicate parts of the camera lens.
How to Use swab
- swab down (phrasal verb)
- to clean a surface thoroughly with a cloth or mop — "The crew had to swab down the entire galley after the storm."
- take a swab (collocation)
- to perform a medical test using a swab — "The nurse will take a swab to check for a bacterial infection."
Synonyms of swab
Words with a similar meaning to swab:
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