ENGLISH
REFERENCE

brushed

v. · adj.
US //ˈbɹəʃt// UK //bɹˈʌʃt// brushed
  1. 1 cleaned or tidied (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    used a brush to clean or tidy something, like your hair or teeth.

    the past tense of 'brush', indicating the act of cleaning, smoothing, or grooming with a tool consisting of bristles.

    Example

    He brushed his teeth for two minutes before going to bed.

    Example

    She brushed her hair until it shone, removing the tangles that had formed during her long walk in the wind.
  2. 2 touched lightly (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    touched something very lightly while moving past it.

    the past tense of 'brush', indicating a light, glancing contact against a surface while in motion.

    Example

    The cat's tail brushed against my leg as it walked past.

    Example

    The branches brushed against the side of the car as we drove down the narrow, overgrown country lane.
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  1. 3 soft fabric or metal (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having a soft, fuzzy surface or a smooth, dull finish.

    describing a material surface that has been treated with an abrasive to create a nap or a matte, non-reflective finish.

    Example

    This brushed cotton shirt is very warm and soft to the touch.

    Example

    The interior designer recommended brushed steel fixtures to avoid the glare and fingerprints associated with polished chrome.
  2. 4 bees moved by hand (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    describing bees that have been moved off a honeycomb using a soft brush.

    referring to a swarm or colony of bees that has been artificially formed by brushing the insects off the comb.

    Example

    The beekeeper collected the brushed bees into a new hive box.

    Example

    Brushed bees are often used to populate new colonies, though the process must be done gently to avoid agitating the queen.

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