a small piece of soft, absorbent material, such as gauze, used to clean wounds, apply medicine, or take samples of body fluids. Often attached to a stick or wire to aid access
{i} large mop; (Medicine) small piece of absorbent material attached to a stick (used to administer medication, take cultures for microscopic examination, etc.)
A wad of absorbent material usually wound around one end of a small stick and used for applying medication or for removing material from an area; also, a dacron-tipped polystyrene applicator (See 827)
cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors implement consisting of a small piece of cotton that is used to apply medication or cleanse a wound or obtain a specimen of a secretion wash with a swab or a mop; "swab the ship's decks
A sponge, or other suitable substance, attached to a long rod or handle, for cleaning the bore of a firearm
If you swab something, you clean it using a wet cloth or a tool called a mop. I noticed a lone man in the cafeteria swabbing the floor as I passed
cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
To swab is to use a small piece of absorbent material on the end of a stick or wire to obtain mucus or other specimen, cleanse and area, or apply medicine
A bit of sponge, cloth, or the like, fastened to a handle, for cleansing the mouth of a sick person, applying medicaments to deep-seated parts, etc