Word
scrubbing
Phoneticsscrub·bing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈskɹəbɪŋ/
UK/skɹˈʌbɪŋ/
Definitions
01cleaning by rubbing
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of cleaning something by rubbing it very hard with a brush or cloth.
n. the action of cleaning a surface through vigorous rubbing or abrasion, typically using a stiff brush and water.
“The old floor needed a good scrubbing to get rid of the deep stains.”
“After years of neglect, the stone steps required intensive scrubbing with a wire brush to reveal their original colour.”
02removing impurities
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. a process used in factories to clean smoke or gas before it goes into the air.
n. the technical process of removing impurities or pollutants from a gas stream, often using a chemical solvent or water spray.
“The factory installed a new system for gas scrubbing to reduce pollution.”
“The environmental agency mandated the installation of wet scrubbing technology to neutralise acidic emissions from the coal-fired power plant.”
Synonyms
Etymology
From scrub + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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