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1

scrub

play
noun, often attributive \ ˈskrəb \

Definition of scrub

1 a :a stunted tree or shrub
b :vegetation consisting chiefly of scrubs
c :a tract covered with scrub
2 :a domestic animal of mixed or unknown parentage and usually inferior conformation :mongrel
3 :a person of insignificant size or standing
4 :a player not belonging to the first string

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Origin and Etymology of scrub

Middle English, alteration of schrobbe, schrubbe shrub — more at shrub

2

scrub

verb

Definition of scrub

scrubbed; scrubbing
transitive verb
1 a (1) :to clean with hard rubbing :scour
(2) :to remove by scrubbing
b :to subject to friction :rub
2 :wash 6c(2)
3 :cancel, eliminate
  • scrubbed the flight because of bad weather
intransitive verb
1 :to use hard rubbing in cleaning
2 :to prepare for performing surgery by scrubbing oneself
—

scrubbable

play \ˈskrə-bə-bəl\ adjective

See scrub defined for English-language learners

Examples of scrub in a Sentence

  1. We scrubbed and scrubbed until the floor was clean.

  2. They scrubbed the game because of the bad weather.

Origin and Etymology of scrub

of Low German or Scandinavian origin; akin to Middle Low German & Middle Dutch schrubben to scrub, Swedish skrubba

scrub Synonyms

Synonyms
abandon, abort, call, call off, cry off, drop, recall, repeal, rescind, revoke, scrap, cancel
Antonyms
continue, keep
Related Words
abrogate, annul, invalidate, nullify, void, write off; recant, retract, take back, withdraw; countermand, reverse, roll back; break off, discontinue, end, halt, stop, terminate; hold back, interrupt, suspend; give up, relinquish, surrender
Near Antonyms
engage, pledge, promise; begin, commence, initiate, start; take on, take up, undertake
3

scrub

noun

Definition of scrub

1 :an act or instance of scrubbing; especially :cancellation
2 a :one that scrubs
b :a powerful and especially cosmetic cleanser
3 scrubs plural :loose-fitting clothing worn by hospital staff
  • surgical scrubs

First Known Use of scrub

1621

Phrases Related to SCRUB

Related Phrases

SCRUB Defined for English Language Learners

scrub

verb

Definition of scrub for English Language Learners

  • : to rub (something) hard with a rough object or substance and often with soap in order to clean it

  • : to decide that (something, such as a game, performance, etc.) will not happen : to cancel (something)

SCRUB Defined for Kids

1

scrub

play
verb \ ˈskrəb \

Definition of scrub for Students

scrubbed; scrubbing
:to rub hard in washing
2

scrub

noun

Definition of scrub for Students

:a thick growth of small or stunted shrubs or trees
3

scrub

noun

Definition of scrub for Students

:the act, an instance, or a period of rubbing hard in washing

Medical Dictionary

1

scrub

play
verb \ ˈskrəb \

medical Definition of scrub

scrubbed; scrubbing
transitive verb
:to clean and disinfect (the hands and forearms) before participating in surgery
intransitive verb
:to prepare for surgery by scrubbing oneself
2

scrub

noun

medical Definition of scrub

1 :an act or instance of scrubbing
  • a surgical scrub
2 plural :loose-fitting clothing worn by hospital staff
  • surgical scrubs

Learn More about scrub

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

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yeasty

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of yeast or being unsettled or frivolous

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  1. dotage, dotard a state or period of senile decay

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  5. carceral Of, relating to, or suggesting a jail or prison

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Examples: scrub in a Sentence