swab

nouns

implement consisting of a small piece of cotton that is used to apply medication or cleanse a wound or obtain a specimen of a secretion

swab

is a type of (narrower)

instrumentation (a piece of equipment or tool) used to effect an end

cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors

mop, swab, swob

wash with a swab or a mop

"swab the ship's decks"

swab, swob

is derived from

apply (usually a liquid) to a surface

"dab the wall with paint"

dab, swab, swob