dab
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Pronunciation
- IPA: /dæb/
- Audio (US)help, file
- Rhymes: -æb
[edit] Etymology 1
From Middle English dabbe < possibly imitative.
[edit] Verb
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Infinitive |
Third person singular |
Simple past |
Past participle |
Present participle |
to dab (third-person singular simple present dabs, present participle dabbing, simple past and past participle dabbed)
- (transitive) To press lightly in a repetitive motion with a soft object without rubbing.
- I dabbed my face with a towel.
- to apply a substance in this way.
- He dabbed moisturizing liquid on his face.
[edit] Translations
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
dab (plural dabs)
- A soft tap or blow; a blow or peck from a bird's beak; an aimed blow; dial. a box, a slap.
- A small amount, a blob of some soft or wet substance.
- (Dated, British) (mostly plural) fingerprint
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
soft tap
small amount, blob
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fingerprint
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[edit] Adverb
dab (not comparable)
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Positive |
Superlative |
[edit] Translations
with a dab
[edit] Etymology 2
This definition is lacking an etymology or has an incomplete etymology. You can help Wiktionary by giving it a proper etymology.
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
dab (plural dabs)
- One skilful or proficient, an expert, an adept.
[edit] Translations
one skilful or proficient, an expert, an adept
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Etymology 3
Origin unknown.
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
dab (plural dabs)
- A small flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae, especially Limanda limanda; flounder.
[edit] Translations
flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae
[edit] References
- Oxford English Dictionary (1989)