swab

n. 1 a absorbent pad used in surgery. B specimen of a secretion taken for examination. 2 mop etc. For cleaning or mopping up. v. (-bb-) 1 clean with a swab. 2 (foll. By up) absorb (moisture) with a swab. 3 mop clean (a ship's deck) [dutch]

n. To clean with a mop or swab; to wipe when very wet, as after washing; as, to swab the desk of a ship.