Scab

Pronunciation: /skæb/

Definitions of scab

noun a person who refuses to strike or join a labor union or who takes over the job responsibilities of a striking worker

Example Sentences

A1 Healing a scab may take a few days.

A2 She picked at the scab on her knee, causing it to bleed.

B1 The scab formed over the cut to protect it from infection.

B2 The scab on his arm was starting to itch as it healed.

C1 The doctor advised not to pick at the scab to prevent scarring.

C2 After the scab fell off, the wound underneath was fully healed.

Examples of scab in a Sentence

formal The scab formed over the wound to protect it from infection.

informal Don't pick at the scab or it will take longer to heal.

slang Sheila fell off her bike and now has a scab on her knee.

figurative The scab of corruption needs to be removed for the country to heal.

Grammatical Forms of scab

• past tense: scabbed
• plural: scabs
• comparative: more scabby
• superlative: most scabby
• present tense: scabs
• future tense: will scab
• perfect tense: have scabbed
• continuous tense: is scabbing
• singular: scab
• positive degree: scab
• infinitive: to scab
• gerund: scabbing
• participle: scabbed

Origin and Evolution of scab

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'scab' originated from Middle English 'scabbe' which came from Old English 'sceabb' meaning a skin disease or a scab.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a skin disease or a scab, the word 'scab' evolved over time to also refer to a person who continues to work during a strike, crossing the picket line. This secondary meaning gained prominence during labor disputes in the 19th and 20th centuries.