~ 1
■ verb ( ~s , ~bing , ~bed )
1》 rub hard so as to clean.
↘( ~ up ) thoroughly clean one's hands and arms before performing surgery.
↘ ( ~ up well ) Brit. informal (of a person) look good after making a deliberate effort.
2》 informal cancel or abandon.
3》 use water to remove impurities from (gas or vapour).
■ noun
1》 an act of ~bing.
2》 a semi-abrasive cosmetic substance applied to the face or body in order to cleanse the skin.
3》 ( ~s ) special hygienic clothing worn by surgeons during operations.
Origin
C16: prob. from Mid. Low Ger., MDu. schrobben , schrubben .
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 vegetation consisting mainly of brushwood or stunted forest growth.
↘(also ~s ) land covered with such vegetation.
2》 [as modifier ] denoting a shrubby or small form of a plant.
↘ N. Amer. denoting an animal of inferior breed or physique.
3》 informal an insignificant or contemptible person.
4》 N. Amer. a sports team or player not among the best or most skilful.
↘an informal match or game played by children or amateurs.
Derivatives
~by adjective
Origin
ME (in the sense 'stunted tree'): var. of shrub 1 .