swab
/swɑb/
noun
- A small piece of soft material, often attached to a stick, used for cleaning wounds, taking samples, or applying medicine.
- He took a swab from the inside of his cheek for the DNA test.
- The nurse used a sterile swab to clean the cut on my arm.
- Make sure to use a fresh swab when applying the ointment.
- A sample taken with a swab for medical testing.
- Her COVID swab came back negative.
- They collected a throat swab to test for strep.
- The doctor sent the swab to the lab to check for infection.
- A mop or sponge used for cleaning floors or decks, especially on a ship.
- He used a long-handled swab to scrub the kitchen floor.
- The old swab was worn out from years of use.
- The sailor grabbed a swab to clean the deck after the storm.
Synonyms
verb
- To clean or apply something using a swab.
- The nurse swabbed my arm with alcohol before the injection.
- Please swab the counter with disinfectant to kill germs.
- He carefully swabbed the wound to remove dirt.
- To take a sample from a person or surface using a swab.
- The doctor swabbed the patient's throat to test for the flu.
- They swabbed the door handle for fingerprints.
- The lab technician swabbed the inside of the container.
- To mop or clean a surface, especially a ship's deck.
- He spent the afternoon swabbing the kitchen floor.
- The crew swabbed the deck every morning before breakfast.
- They swabbed the entire hallway with soapy water.