- scrub
- scrub1verb (scrubs, scrubbing, scrubbed)1》 rub hard so as to clean.↘(scrub up) thoroughly clean one's hands and arms before performing surgery.↘ (scrub up well) Brit. informal (of a person) look good after making a deliberate effort.2》 informal cancel or abandon.3》 use water to remove impurities from (gas or vapour).noun1》 an act of scrubbing.2》 a semi-abrasive cosmetic substance applied to the face or body in order to cleanse the skin.3》 (scrubs) special hygienic clothing worn by surgeons during operations.OriginC16: prob. from Mid. Low Ger., MDu. schrobben, schrubben.————————scrub2noun1》 vegetation consisting mainly of brushwood or stunted forest growth.↘(also scrubs) land covered with such vegetation.2》 [as modifier] denoting a shrubby or small form of a plant.↘N. Amer. denoting an animal of inferior breed or physique.3》 informal an insignificant or contemptible person.4》 N. Amer. a sports team or player not among the best or most skilful.↘an informal match or game played by children or amateurs.Derivativesscrubby adjectiveOriginME (in the sense 'stunted tree'): var. of shrub1.
English new terms dictionary. 2014.