swab

Noun

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

• 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

Verb

• apply (usually a liquid) to a surface
  • dab the wall with paint
    

• wash with a swab or a mop
  • swab the ship's decks
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  swob , mop , dab