SWAB
swab, swob, mop
(noun) cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
swab
(noun) implement consisting of a small piece of cotton that is used to apply medication or cleanse a wound or obtain a specimen of a secretion
dab, swab, swob
(verb) apply (usually a liquid) to a surface; “dab the wall with paint”
swab, swob
(verb) wash with a swab or a mop; “swab the ship’s decks”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
swab (plural swabs)
(medicine) A small piece of soft, absorbent material, such as gauze, used to clean wounds, apply medicine, or take samples of body fluids. Often attached to a stick or wire to aid access.
A sample taken with a swab (piece of absorbent material).
A piece of material used for cleaning or sampling other items like musical instruments or guns.
A mop, especially on a ship.
(slang) A sailor; a swabby.
(slang) A naval officer's epaulet.
Synonyms
• (sailor): swabby
Verb
swab (third-person singular simple present swabs, present participle swabbing, simple past and past participle swabbed)
(transitive) To use a swab on something, or clean something with a swab.
Anagrams
• AWBs, wabs
Source: Wiktionary
Swab, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Swabbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Swabbing.] Etym:
[See Swabber, n.]
Definition: To clean with a mop or swab; to wipe when very wet, as after
washing; as, to swab the desk of a ship. [Spelt also swob.]
Swab, n. Etym: [Written also swob.]
1. A kind of mop for cleaning floors, the desks of vessels, etc.,
esp. one made of rope-yarns or threads.
2. A bit of sponge, cloth, or the like, fastened to a handle, for
cleansing the mouth of a sick person, applying medicaments to deep-
seated parts, etc.
3. (Naut.)
Definition: An epaulet. [Sailor's Slang] Marryat.
4. A cod, or pod, as of beans or pease. [Obs.] Bailey.
5. A sponge, or other suitable substance, attached to a long rod or
handle, for cleaning the bore of a firearm.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition