scab
scab Lexical Profile
scab Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A dry, rough protective crust that forms over a cut, wound, or sore during healing.
"The doctor advised the child not to pick at the scab on his knee so that the skin wouldn't scar."
A worker who refuses to join a labor strike or who takes the place of a striking worker (used derogatorily).
"Tensions rose outside the factory gates as union members shouted at the scabs entering the building."
Any of various contagious skin diseases in domestic animals, such as sheep, caused by parasitic mites and characterized by crusted sores; mange.
"The veterinarian quarantined the newly arrived flock to ensure they were free of sheep scab."
Any of several fungal or bacterial plant diseases that produce dark, crustlike spots on fruits, tubers, or leaves, such as apple scab or potato scab.
"Cool, wet spring weather caused an outbreak of apple scab across the orchard."
• verb
To become covered with a dry, protective crust as a wound heals (often followed by 'over').
"Within a few days, the scrape on her elbow had begun to scab over."
To work as a strikebreaker by continuing to work during a labor strike or replacing a striking worker.
"He refused to scab on his fellow union members despite the financial hardship of the strike."
Word Nuance & Usage
In labor contexts, 'scab' is a strongly pejorative term for a worker who crosses a picket line; neutral alternatives include 'strikebreaker' or 'replacement worker'.
• Rhymes for scab
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English, of Scandinavian origin and akin to Old Norse skabb, meaning 'scab' or 'itch'; closely related to the native Old English sceabb and the verb 'shave'.