Swab (noun): a small wad or tuft of absorbent material attached to a stem, used for cleaning, applying liquids, or sampling. In medical contexts, a swab is used to collect specimens (e.g., for tests) by swabbing surfaces or mucous membranes. The term can also refer to the equipment itself, such as a cotton swab or cotton bud. It denotes a brief, targeted contact with a surface for collection or cleaning purposes.
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