swab

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A small piece of soft, absorbent material, such as gauze, used to clean wounds, apply medicine, or take samples of body fluids. Often attached to a stick or wire to aid access.
2. 2
   A sample taken with a swab (piece of absorbent material).
3. 3
   A piece of material used for cleaning or sampling other items like musical instruments or guns.
4. 4
   A mop, especially on a ship.
5. 5
   A sailor; a swabby.
6. 6
   A naval officer's epaulet.

Verb

1. 1
   To use a swab on something, or clean something with a swab.

Proper noun

1. 1
   A surname.