scratches

American  

[skrach-iz] / ˈskrætʃ ɪz /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a disease of horses marked by dry rifts or chaps that appear on the skin near the fetlock, behind the knee, or in front of the hock.

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scratches British  

/ ˈskrætʃɪz /

noun

1. Also called: cracked heels.   mud fever.  (functioning as singular) a disease of horses characterized by dermatitis in the region of the fetlock

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Etymology

Origin of scratches

First recorded in 1605–15; see origin at scratch, -s ³

Example Sentences

“In the pre-greening days, you could spot a grove car by all the scratches on both sides,” he told me.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

“Our 737 program is performing rework on a group of airplanes to fix wires that have small scratches due to a machining error,” a Boeing spokesperson said.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

But Flock’s AI-powered cameras go even further by also documenting other identifying vehicle details, such as make, model and color, as well as any distinctive markings like scratches or dents on a bumper.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

Rather than fixating on Jefferson’s quill scratches, Mr. Amar illuminates how this equality ethos resonated with America’s most profound thinkers—from the fiery eloquence of Frederick Douglass to the unyielding advocacy of Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

He scratches his tail, checks his whiskers for dirt.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz