scratching

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b. A contestant who has been withdrawn from a competition.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.

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[Middle English scracchen, probably blend of scratten, to scratch, and cracchen, to scratch (possibly from Middle Dutch cratsen).]

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scratcher n.

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scratching

Noun

Music a sound produced when the record groove in contact with the stylus of a record player is moved back and forth by hand

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

scratching - a harsh noise made by scraping; "the scrape of violin bows distracted her" scrape, scraping, scratch 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"