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scratching

   Also found in: Medical, Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
scratch  (skrch)
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. To withdraw (an entry) from a contest.
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.
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b. A contestant who has been withdrawn from a competition.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 superficially.
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).]

scratcher n.

scratching [ˈskrætʃɪŋ]
n
(Electronics) a percussive effect obtained by rotating a gramophone record manually: a disc-jockey and dub technique
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.scratching - a harsh noise made by scrapingscratching - a harsh noise made by scraping; "the scrape of violin bows distracted her"
noise - sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound); "he enjoyed the street noises"; "they heard indistinct noises of people talking"; "during the firework display that ended the gala the noise reached 98 decibels"
Translations
scratching
n (Mus) → Scratchen nt, → Scratching nt


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Upon this the poor mariners in their respectful consternation --so truly English --knowing not what to say, fall to vigorously scratching their heads all round; meanwhile ruefully glancing from the whale to the stranger.
A COCK, scratching for food for himself and his hens, found a precious stone and exclaimed: "If your owner had found thee, and not I, he would have taken thee up, and have set thee in thy first estate; but I have found thee for no purpose.
Thoughtfully removing his crown and scratching the royal head, the monarch was silent a moment, and then he said:
 
 
 
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