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1

brush

noun \ ˈbrəsh \

Definition of brush

1 : brushwood
2 a : scrub vegetation
b : land covered with scrub vegetation

Origin and Etymology of brush

Middle English brusch, from an Anglo-French form akin to Old French broce brushwood, Medieval Latin brusca

2

brush

noun

Definition of brush

1 : a device composed of bristles typically set into a handle and used especially for sweeping, smoothing, scrubbing, or painting
2 : something resembling a brush: such as
a : a bushy tail
b : a feather tuft worn on a hat
3 : an electrical conductor that makes sliding contact between a stationary and a moving part (as of a generator or a motor)
4 a : an act of brushing
b : a quick light touch or momentary contact in passing

Origin and Etymology of brush

Middle English brusshe, from an Anglo-French form akin to Middle French broisse

3

brush

verb

Definition of brush

brushed; brushing; brushes
transitive verb
1 a : to apply a brush to
b : to apply with a brush
2 a : to remove with passing strokes (as of a brush)
b : to dispose of in an offhand way : dismiss
  • brushed him off
3 : to pass lightly over or across : touch gently against in passing
—

brusher

noun

First Known Use of brush

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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4

brush

noun

Definition of brush

: a brief encounter or skirmish
  • a brush with disaster
  • a brush with the law

Origin and Etymology of brush

Middle English brusche rush, hostile collision, from bruschen

5

brush

verb

Definition of brush

brushed; brushing; brushes
intransitive verb
: to move lightly or heedlessly
  • brushed past the well-wishers waiting to greet him

Origin and Etymology of brush

Middle English bruschen to rush, probably from Middle French brosser to dash through underbrush, from broce

Phrases Related to BRUSH

Related Phrases

BRUSH Defined for Kids

1

brush

noun \ ˈbrəsh \

Definition of brush for Students

1 : a tool made of bristles set in a handle and used for cleaning, smoothing, or painting
2 : an act of smoothing or scrubbing with a brush
3 : a light stroke
  • a brush of the hand
4 : a bushy tail
2

brush

verb

Definition of brush for Students

brushed; brushing
1 : to scrub or smooth with a brush
  • Brush your hair.
2 : to remove with or as if with a brush
  • I brushed up the dirt.
3 : to pass lightly across
  • A twig brushed my cheek.
3

brush

noun

Definition of brush for Students

1 : branches and twigs cut from trees
2 : a heavy growth of small trees and bushes
4

brush

noun

Definition of brush for Students

: a brief fight or quarrel

Learn More about brush

  1. See words that rhyme with brush Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for brush Spanish Central: Translation of brush Nglish: Translation of brush for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of brush for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brush

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