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Definition of "scrub" []

  • To rub hard in order to clean. (verb-transitive)
  • To remove (dirt or stains) by hard rubbing. (verb-transitive)
  • To remove impurities from (a gas) chemically. (verb-transitive)
  • Slang To cancel or abandon; drop: We had to scrub our plans for vacation. (verb-transitive)
  • To clean or wash something by hard rubbing: Don't forget to scrub behind your ears. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "scrub" in a sentence
  • "It wasn't just eventful for all the people on Twitter who wanted to demonstrate that they know how to use the word "scrub" in this context."
  • "So a scrub is a perfect uniform for teachers like my sister."
  • "We are also awaiting a report from our top uniform leaders of the -- what they call scrub, which they are undertaking."