swobs

We have found lemma(root) word of swobs : swab.

Definitions


[swɒb], (Noun)

Definitions:
- an absorbent pad or piece of material, often on a stick or rod, used in surgery and medicine for cleaning wounds and skin, applying medication, or taking specimens

- a mop or other absorbent device for cleaning or mopping up a floor or other surface

- a contemptible person
(e.g: ‘Avast, ye swabs,’ she shouted)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 17th century (in the sense ‘mop for cleaning the decks’): back-formation from swabber ‘sailor detailed to swab decks’, from early modern Dutch zwabber, from a Germanic base meaning ‘splash’ or ‘sway’


[swɒb], (Verb)

Definitions:
- take a specimen of tissue or secretions from (a person or part of the body) for examination
(e.g: we need to be swabbing people with any hint of illness)

- clean (a floor or other surface) with a mop or other absorbent device
(e.g: the crew were swabbing down the decks)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 17th century (in the sense ‘mop for cleaning the decks’): back-formation from swabber ‘sailor detailed to swab decks’, from early modern Dutch zwabber, from a Germanic base meaning ‘splash’ or ‘sway’




definition by Oxford Dictionaries