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Definition of "swab" [swab]

  • A small piece of absorbent material attached to the end of a stick or wire and used for cleansing or applying medicine. (noun)
  • A specimen of mucus or other material removed with a swab. (noun)
  • A sponge or patch of absorbent material used to clean the bore of a firearm or cannon. (noun)
  • A mop used for cleaning floors or decks. (noun)
  • Slang A sailor. (noun)

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 "swab" in a sentence
  • "For females, a cotton swab is briefly placed inside your vagina by you or your healthcare provider."
  • "Scene-of-crime material (bloodstains, hairs or a vaginal swab from a rape victim) are typed and matched to a DNA sample from the suspect."
  • "Yes | No | Report from diverdude41 wrote 36 weeks 2 days ago there are so many factors to think about when shooting a rifle and trying to zero. the loads, rate of twist, scope, and mounts temp of the air, and the barrel after shooting. .my recommendation is what some of the responses have already said. make 20 rounds of your test load, fire 5 rds, and let the barrel cool commpletly. swab from the breech end to remove any fouling, and try another 5 rds repeat this process 2 more times and see where you are at. remember, the first round out of you barrel will be cold .."