scrub1

verb (scrubs, scrubbing, scrubbed)

• 1rub (someone or something) hard so as to clean them, typically with a brush and water:he had to scrub the floor she was scrubbing herself down at the sink [no object]:she scrubbed furiously at the plates
• (scrub something away/off) remove dirt by rubbing hard:it took ages to scrub off the muck
• [no object] (scrub up) thoroughly clean one’s hands and arms before performing surgery:the doctor scrubbed up and donned a protective gown
• [no object] (scrub up well) British informal (of a person) have a smart and well-groomed appearance after making a deliberate effort:the band scrub up well to play weddings and parties

• 2 informal cancel or abandon (something):the first two races had to be scrubbed because of blustery winds and rough seas

• 3use water to remove impurities from (gas or vapour): the vapour is scrubbed by the condensate

• 4 Motor Racing (of a driver) allow (a tyre) to slide or scrape across the road surface so as to reduce speed: I usually only scrub the front tyre when I get into a turn too hot
• (of a driver) reduce (speed) by allowing the tyres to slide or scrape across the road surface: he slammed the bike down on the cases to scrub off speed

• 5 [no object] (of a rider) rub the arms and legs urgently on a horse’s neck and flanks to urge it to move faster: [with infinitive]:by now the field was spreadeagled and scrubbing to keep in touch with the hounds

noun

• 1an act of scrubbing something or someone:give the floor a good scrub

• 2a semi-abrasive cosmetic lotion applied to the face or body in order to cleanse the skin: don’t use facial scrubs if your skin is sensitive

• 3 (scrubs) special hygienic clothing worn by surgeons during operations: Bill emerged from the delivery room in green scrubs