scrub Definition

scrub¹
verb scrubbed, scrubbing

tr & intr
1. To rub hard, especially with a stiff brush, in order to remove dirt.
2. To wash or clean by hard rubbing.

Thesaurus: clean, rub, cleanse, scour, wash.
3. colloq
To cancel or abandon (plans, etc).
Example: Scrub your plans for a day out, you're needed here
Thesaurus: abandon, cancel, scrap, discontinue, drop, abort, give up, forget, abolish.
4. To purify (a gas).
intr
5. To use a scrubbing brush.
intr
6. To make a rapid to-and-fro movement as if scrubbing.

noun

1. An act of scrubbing.

Etymology: 14c: from German schrubben.

Phrasal Verb: scrub up

Said of a surgeon, etc: to wash the hands and arms thoroughly before performing, or assisting at, an operation.

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scrub²
noun

1. Vegetation consisting of stunted trees and evergreen shrubs collectively.
2. An area, usually with poor soil or low rainfall, containing such vegetation.

Form: scrubland (also)
3. An inferior domestic animal of mixed or unknown parentage.
(N Amer)
4. A player in a second or inferior team.
5. A small or insignificant person.
6. Anything small or insignificant.
(Austral)
7. colloq
A remote place far from civilization.
Form: the scrub

adj

1. Small or insignificant.

Thesaurus: little, stunted, puny, diminutive, deficient.
(N Amer)
2. Said of a player: in a second or inferior team.

Etymology: 14c: a variant of shrub.