ENGLISH
REFERENCE

scratches

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈskɹætʃəz// UK //skɹˈætʃɪz// scratch·es

n. small, thin marks or cuts on the surface of something. You often see them on things like wood, metal, or skin.

n. shallow marks or incisions on a surface, typically caused by something sharp or abrasive. Often used to describe minor damage to a finish or slight injuries to the skin.


SIMPLE

The cat left several scratches on the wooden table.

CONTEXTUAL

The mechanic noticed several deep scratches on the car's door that would require a new coat of paint.

COMPLEX

While the antique mirror was structurally sound, its surface was covered in fine scratches that blurred the reflection and spoke to its long history of use.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From scratch + -es.

Etymology 2

From the behaviour induced by the disease, which causes scratching.

Usage

The plural form of 'scratch'; often used with the verb 'to have' or 'to leave'.

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