scrub-up

[ skruhb-uhp ]

noun

1. the act of washing or bathing thoroughly, especially the aseptic washing by doctors, nurses, etc., before a surgical operation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrub-up¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Idioms and Phrases

Thoroughly wash one's hands and forearms, as before performing surgery. For example, The residents had to scrub up in case they were called on to assist with the operation . [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

Before taking on her role in “Medea” at the Almeida, Ms. Fleetwood showed her range with a contrastingly airy excursion into musical theater as a commanding Tracy Lord in the Old Vic’s “High Society” — a second-tier show given a first-class scrub-up by its director, Maria Friedman.

From New York Times

For the cosmonauts it's a bit of a scrub-up before space.

From The Verge

Even the most vigorous regulatory scrub-up and revamped central bank will not create a well-trained workforce: that will take years of massive investment in education.

From Economist

‘If You Wanna’ is the track that cemented The Vaccines’ status as indie-rock heroes, giving the Ramones punk-pop a good old scrub-up and polish with copious amounts of spaced-out reverb.

From Time

“Our creative focus is on respecting the legacy and the heritage of the original and giving it a little creative scrub-up and technological sparkle to match the viewing expectations of a new generation.”

From Salon