Definition of: swab

(swob) noun
1. One of various utensils consisting essentially of a soft absorbent substance on the end of a handle: used for cleaning, etc.
2. A mop for cleaning decks, floors, etc.
3. A sailor who uses such a mop; a menial; a worthless person.
4. A cylindrical brush for cleaning firearms.
5. Med. a A bit of sponge or cloth for cleansing the mouth of, or used as a means of applying nourishment or medicine to, a sick person. b A specimen of mucus, etc., taken for examination; also, the cotton–wound wire used in obtaining it.
—v.t. swabbed, swab·bing To clean or apply with a swab. Also spelled swob. [Back formation <SWABBER]