scab

American  

[skab] / skæb /

noun

1. the incrustation that forms over a sore or wound during healing.

2. Veterinary Pathology. a mangy disease in animals, especially sheep; scabies.

3. Plant Pathology.

   1. a disease of plants characterized by crustlike lesions on the affected parts and caused by a fungus or bacterium.

   2. one of these crustlike lesions.

4. a worker who refuses to join a labor union or to participate in a union strike, who takes a striking worker's place on the job, or the like.

5. Slang. a rascal or scoundrel.

6. Metallurgy.

   1. a projection or roughness on an ingot or casting from a defective mold.

   2. a surface defect on an iron or steel piece resulting from the rolling in of scale.

7. Carpentry. a short, flat piece of wood used for various purposes, as binding two timbers butted together or strengthening a timber at a weak spot.

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verb (used without object)

scabbed, scabbing

1. to become covered with a scab.

2. to act or work as a scab.

scab British  

/ skæb /

noun

1. the dried crusty surface of a healing skin wound or sore

2. a contagious disease of sheep, a form of mange, caused by a mite ( Psoroptes communis )

3. a fungal disease of plants characterized by crusty spots on the fruits, leaves, etc

4. derogatory

   1. Also called: blackleg.  a person who refuses to support a trade union's actions, esp one who replaces a worker who is on strike

   2. ( as modifier )

      scab labour

5. a despicable person

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verb

1. to become covered with a scab

2. (of a road surface) to become loose so that potholes develop

3. to replace a striking worker

scab Scientific  

/ skăb /

1. A crust that forms over a healing wound, consisting of dried blood, plasma, and other secretions.

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scab Cultural  

1. Informally, a worker who stays on the job while others go on strike. Also, a worker brought in to keep a plant operating when its work force is on strike. (See strikebreaker.)

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Other Word Forms

• scablike adjective

Etymology

Origin of scab

1200–50; 1800–10 scab for def. 4; Middle English < Old Norse skabb scab, itch; shabby, shave

Related Words

• blister
• crater
• defect
• discoloration
• disfigurement
• flaw
• wound