Meaning of the word swab in English

What does swab mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

swab

US /swɑːb/
UK /swɑːb/
"swab" picture

Noun

1.

a small piece of absorbent material used for cleaning wounds, applying medication, or collecting specimens

Example:
The nurse used a cotton swab to clean the cut.
They took a throat swab to test for the infection.

Verb

1.

to clean (a wound or part of the body) with a swab

Example:
The doctor will swab the area before giving the injection.
She carefully swabbed the wound with antiseptic.
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