scab

[ skab ]

noun

1. the incrustation that forms over a sore or wound during healing.
2. Veterinary Pathology. a mangy disease in animals, especially sheep; scabies. Compare itch ( def 10 ).
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.

verb (used without object)

, scabbed, scab·bing.

1. to become covered with a scab.
2. to act or work as a scab.

scab

/ 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 calledblackleg 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

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

/ skăb /

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

scab

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 .)

Derived Forms

• ˈscabˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• scablike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scab¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of scab¹

Old English sceabb; related to Old Norse skabb, Latin scabiēs, Middle Low German schabbe scoundrel, German schäbig shabby

Example Sentences

This wound eventually forms a scab and can shed virus, so it must be properly cared for.

From MIT Technology Review

That positive diagnosis is also a signal that the infected person should begin home isolation and continue until all lesions have healed, scabs have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed.

From Time

From thousands of feet above, the bay is a broad sheet of blue, flecked by scabs of land and coastline.

From Washington Post

At the same time, Gen Z’s army of TikTok creators linked virtual arms with striking workers at Kellogg’s, using their internet savvy to hobble the breakfast titan’s efforts to undermine the strike by hiring scab workers.

From The Daily Beast

Before vaccines, physicians would blow smallpox scabs up people’s noses or stab them with pus-laced needles to build up their resistance to the virus.

From Popular-Science

Late last week, Baez was successful in scratching the ugly scab of Anthony family dysfunction.

From The Daily Beast

The vesicles dry gradually, and between the fourteenth and twentieth days the scab falls off, leaving a pitted scar.

From Project Gutenberg

Across his back there was a furrow through his fur, and a long scab where a bullet had raked him.

From Project Gutenberg

I think the colonial surgeons call the disease the "bush scab;" and that it is occasioned by a filthy mode of life.

From Project Gutenberg

These continue for a short time, break, discharge their matter, and are followed by a blackish scab.

From Project Gutenberg

There is not the least bit of sense in belonging to a union if you are to become a "scab" when you go to the ballot-box.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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