scratch
(skrăch)v. scratched, scratch·ing, scratch·es
v.tr.1. To make a thin shallow cut or mark on (a surface) with a sharp instrument.
2. To use the nails or claws to dig or scrape at.
3. To rub or scrape (the skin) to relieve itching.
4. To scrape or strike on an abrasive surface.
5. To write or draw (something) by scraping a surface: scratched their initials on a rock.
6. To write or draw hurriedly: scratched off a thank-you note.
7. a. To strike out or cancel (a word, for example) by or as if by drawing lines through.
b. Slang To cancel (a project or program, for example).
8. a. To withdraw (an entry) from a contest or competition: The jockey decided to scratch the horse when it sprained its ankle.
b. To withdraw an entry from (a contest or competition): Having won three races already, the swimmer scratched her final event.
v.intr.1. To use the nails or claws to dig, scrape, or wound.
2. To rub or scrape the skin to relieve itching.
3. To make a harsh scraping sound.
4. To gather funds or produce a living with difficulty.
5. a. To withdraw from a contest or competition.
b. Games To make a shot in billiards that results in a penalty, as when the cue ball falls into a pocket or jumps the cushion.
n.1. a. A mark resembling a line that is produced by scratching.
b. A slight wound.
2. A hasty scribble.
3. A sound made by scratching.
4. a. Sports The starting line for a race.
b. A contestant who has been withdrawn from a competition.
5. Games a. The act of scratching in billiards.
b. A fluke or chance shot in billiards.
6. Poultry feed.
7. Slang Money.
adj.1. Done haphazardly or by chance.
2. Assembled hastily or at random.
3. Sports Having no golf handicap.
Idioms: from scratch From the very beginning.
scratch the surface To investigate or treat something in superficial or preliminary fashion.
up to scratch Informal 1. Meeting the requirements.
2. In fit condition.
[Middle English scracchen, probably blend of scratten, to scratch, and cracchen, to scratch (possibly from Middle Dutch cratsen).]
scratch′er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
scratch
(skrætʃ) vb1. to mark or cut (the surface of something) with a rough or sharp instrument
2. (often foll by: at, out, off, etc) to scrape (the surface of something), as with claws, nails, etc
3. to scrape (the surface of the skin) with the nails, as to relieve itching
4. to chafe or irritate (a surface, esp the skin)
5. to make or cause to make a grating sound; scrape
6. (sometimes foll by: out) to erase by or as if by scraping
7. (tr) to write or draw awkwardly
8. (sometimes foll by: along) to earn a living, manage, etc, with difficulty
9. (General Sporting Terms) to withdraw (an entry) from a race, match, etc
10. (Billiards & Snooker) (
intr)
billiards snooker a. to make a shot resulting in a penalty
b. to make a lucky shot
11. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (tr) US to cancel (the name of a candidate) from a party ticket in an election
12. informal (often foll by: for) Austral to be struggling or in difficulty, esp in earning a living
13. to treat (a subject) superficially
14. you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours if you will help me, I will help you
n15. the act of scratching
16. a slight injury
17. a mark made by scratching
18. a slight grating sound
19. (General Sporting Terms) (in a handicap sport)
a. a competitor or the status of a competitor who has no allowance or receives a penalty
b. (as modifier): a scratch player.
20. (General Sporting Terms) the time, initial score, etc, of such a competitor
21. (General Sporting Terms)
a. the line from which competitors start in a race
b. (formerly) a line drawn on the floor of a prize ring at which the contestants stood to begin or continue fighting
22. (General Sporting Terms) a withdrawn competitor in a race, etc
23. (Billiards & Snooker)
billiards snooker a. a shot that results in a penalty, as when the cue ball enters the pocket
b. a lucky shot
24. (Zoology) poultry food
25. from scratch informal from the very beginning
26. up to scratch (usually used with a negative) informal up to standard
adj27. (General Sporting Terms) sport (of a team) assembled hastily
28. (General Sporting Terms) (in a handicap sport) with no allowance or penalty
29. informal rough or haphazard
[C15: via Old French escrater from Germanic; compare Old High German krazzōn (German kratzen); related to Old French gratter to grate1]
ˈscratchy adj
ˈscratchily adv
ˈscratchiness n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
scratch
(skrætʃ)
v.t. 1. to break, mar, or mark the surface of by rubbing, scraping, or tearing with something sharp or rough.
2. to remove with a scraping or tearing action.
3. to rub or scrape slightly, as with the fingernails, to relieve itching.
4. to rub or draw along a rough, grating surface.
5. to strike out or cancel (something written) by or as if by drawing a line through it.
6. to withdraw (an entry) from a race or contest.
7. a. to strike out the name of (a candidate) on a party ticket, while predominantly supporting the ticket.
b. to reject a particular candidate on (a party ticket).
8. to write or draw by cutting into a surface.
9. to manipulate (a phonograph record) back and forth under the stylus to produce rhythmic sounds.
v.i. 10. to use the nails, claws, etc., for tearing, digging, etc.
11. to relieve itching by rubbing with the nails, etc.
12. to make a slight grating noise; scrape.
13. to earn a living or get along with difficulty.
14. to withdraw from a race or contest.
15. (in certain card games) to make no score; earn no points.
16. Billiards, Pool. to make a shot that results in a penalty, esp. to pocket the cue ball without hitting the object ball.
n. 17. a slight injury, mar, or mark caused by scratching.
18. a rough mark made by a pen, pencil, etc.; scrawl.
19. the act of scratching.
20. a slight grating sound produced by scratching.
21. the starting place, starting time, or status of a competitor in a handicap who has no allowance and no penalty.
22. Billiards, Pool. a. a shot resulting in a penalty.
b. a fluke or lucky shot.
23. (in certain card games) a score of zero; nothing.
adj. 25. used for hasty writing, notes, etc.: scratch paper.
26. without any allowance, penalty, or handicap, as a competitor.
27. gathered hastily and indiscriminately: a scratch crew.
Idioms: 1. from scratch, a. from the very beginning or from nothing.
b. using basic components or ingredients rather than prefabricated ones: to bake a cake from scratch.
2. up to scratch, as good as the standard; satisfactory.
[1425–75; scracchen (v.), b. Middle English scratten to scratch, and cracchen, with same sense]
scratch′er, n.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.