Homonym: swab (Cleaning)
A "swab" is a small piece of absorbent material, often attached to a stick, used for cleaning or sampling. Commonly made of cotton or synthetic fibers, swabs are utilized in various settings, including medical, laboratory, and personal care. They can collect samples from surfaces or body parts, such as during a COVID-19 test.
In medical contexts, swabs are essential for diagnosing infections or diseases. For example, a throat swab can help identify bacterial infections like strep throat. Swabs are also used in forensic science to gather evidence from crime scenes, making them versatile tools in both health and investigative fields.