1. (

• swab ,

) 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 ;

2. (

• swab ,
• swob ,
• mop

) cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors ;

1. (

• swab ,
• swob

) wash with a swab or a mop; "swab the ship's decks" ;

2. (

• dab ,
• swab ,
• swob ,

) apply (usually a liquid) to a surface; "dab the wall with paint" ;