1. 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
   "The nurse used a swab to clean the cut before applying the bandage"
    
2. Cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
   "She used a swab to mop up the spilled water";
   - swob, mop

1. Wash with a swab or a mop
   "swab the ship's decks";
   - swob
    
2. Apply (usually a liquid) to a surface
   "The nurse swabbed the wound with antiseptic";
   - dab, swob

Derived forms: swabbed, swabbing, swabs

Type of: apply, cleaning device, cleaning equipment, cleaning implement, implement, mop, mop up, put on, wipe up

Encyclopedia: Swab