scrub 1
(skrŭb)v. scrubbed, scrub·bing, scrubs
v.tr.
1.
a. To rub hard in order to clean: scrubbed the floor.
b. To remove (dirt or stains) by hard rubbing.
2. To remove impurities from (a gas) chemically.
3. Computers
a. To maintain the integrity of by finding and correcting errors: software that automatically scrubs stored data.
b. To erase in such a way as to render unrecoverable: scrubbed the laptop's hard drive to destroy incriminating evidence.
4. Slang To cancel or abandon; drop: We had to scrub our plans for vacation.
v.intr.
To clean or wash something by hard rubbing: Don't forget to scrub behind your ears.
n.
Phrasal Verb: 1. The act or an instance of scrubbing.
2. A preparation or product used in scrubbing.
scrub up
To wash the hands and arms thoroughly, as before performing or participating in surgery.
[Middle English shrubben, scrobben, to currycomb a horse, rub oneself, from Middle Dutch schrobben, to clean by rubbing, scrape; see sker- in Indo-European roots.]
scrub′ba·ble adj.
scrub 2
(skrŭb)n.
1. Vegetation consisting chiefly of shrubs and small trees.
2. An area covered with such vegetation; shrubland.
3. A domestic animal that is feral or not purebred.
4. Slang A contemptible or incompetent person.
5. Sports A player not on the varsity or first team.
[Middle English, variant of shrub; see shrub1.]
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.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
scrubbing - the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water