swab
SWOB
/swɒb/
A small piece of absorbent material, such as cotton, attached to a stick or used directly to clean wounds, apply medication, or take diagnostic specimens.
Emphasizes small-scale absorption, gentle wiping, or sampling, distinct from large wiping rags or thick compression pads.
The story behind the word. Borrowed from 18th-century Dutch 'zwabber' (a mop used on ship decks) and 'zwabberen' (to splash or clean with a mop). British naval culture adapted the term for cleaning decks, and doctors later repurposed it for tiny cotton mops used on wounds.
Word relationships
- applicator: An applicator is any tool used to apply substance, while a swab specifically features an absorbent head.
- sponge: A sponge is a large porous washing pad, whereas a swab is tiny and used for precise medical wiping.
Commonly confused with
- tampon: A tampon is a compressed absorbent plug inserted into body cavities, while a swab is a small tip on a stick or pad.
Word family
- swabbing (noun/verb): The act of cleaning or sampling with an absorbent tip.
Collocations
- cotton swab
- sterile swab
- swab the throat
- nasal swab
Example sentences
- "The technician gently used a sterile cotton swab to collect a sample from the back of the throat." Diagnostic testing
- "Gently swab the outer edges of the scratch with disinfectant before putting on a bandage." Wound care
Memory hook
SWAB SWEEPS up tiny germs with cotton. Cotton tip for wiping or sampling.
When not to use
Do not use 'swab' to describe large floor mops or thick torso dressings.
Fun facts
- During naval sailing days, sailors designated to clean ship decks were officially given the title of 'swabbers'.
Related words
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