Pronunciation: /swɑb/

Definitions of swab

noun a small piece of absorbent material attached to the end of a stick or wire, used for cleaning or applying medication

Example Sentences

A1 The nurse used a swab to clean the patient's wound.

A2 I need to buy some cotton swabs for my makeup.

B1 The forensic team collected DNA evidence using swabs at the crime scene.

B2 The doctor took a swab of the patient's throat to test for strep throat.

C1 The laboratory technician carefully labeled each swab sample for analysis.

C2 The archaeologist used swabs to collect samples from ancient artifacts for testing.

verb to clean or apply medication with a swab

Example Sentences

A1 The nurse will swab your arm before giving you the injection.

A2 I need to swab the kitchen counter before preparing dinner.

B1 The police officer swabbed the suspect's hands for evidence.

B2 The scientist swabbed the surface for bacteria samples.

C1 The medical examiner swabbed the crime scene for DNA evidence.

C2 The forensic team swabbed the murder weapon for fingerprints.

Examples of swab in a Sentence

formal The nurse used a sterile swab to collect a sample for testing.

informal I had to swab the inside of my cheek for a DNA test.

slang He swabbed the spill with a paper towel.

figurative The artist used a swab of paint to create a beautiful masterpiece.

Grammatical Forms of swab

past tense

swabbed

plural

swabs

comparative

more swab

superlative

most swab

present tense

swabs

future tense

will swab

perfect tense

have swabbed

continuous tense

is swabbing

singular

swab

positive degree

swab

infinitive

to swab

gerund

swabbing

participle

swabbed

Origin and Evolution of swab

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'swab' is believed to have originated from the Old English word 'swāpan' meaning to sweep or clean.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'swab' evolved to refer to a small piece of absorbent material used for cleaning or applying medication, particularly in medical and nautical contexts.