—n.
1 a mop or other absorbent device for cleaning or mopping up.
2 a an absorbent pad used in surgery. b a specimen of a possibly morbid secretion taken with a swab for examination.
3 sl. a term of contempt for a person.
—v.tr. (swabbed, swabbing)
1 clean with a swab.
2 (foll. by up) absorb (moisture) with a swab.
Etymology: back-form. f. swabber f. early mod.Du. zwabber f. a Gmc base = 'splash, sway'
Useful english dictionary. 2012.