scratch

English

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Etymology

Probably from a blend of the Middle English words scratten (“to scratch”) and crachen (“to scratch”).

Pronunciation

Verb

scratch (third-person singular simple present scratches, present participle scratching, simple past and past participle scratched)

  1. To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
    Could you please scratch my back?
  2. To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation.
    I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.
  3. To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).
    A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.
  4. To remove, ignore or delete.
    Scratch what I said earlier; I was wrong.
    When the favorite was scratched from the race, there was a riot at the betting windows.
  5. (music) To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).
  6. (billiards) To commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.
    Embarrassingly, he scratched on the break, popping the cue completely off the table.
  7. (billiards, dated, US) To score, not by skilful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.

Derived terms

Synonyms

Translations

To rub a surface with a sharp object
To rub the skin with rough material
To mark a surface with a sharp object
To delete
The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
Translations to be checked

Noun

scratch (plural scratches)

  1. (countable) A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.
    I can’t believe there is a scratch in the paint already.
    Her skin was covered with tiny scratches.
  2. An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
    The dog sat up and had a good scratch.
  3. (sports) A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground).
  4. (billiards) A foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.
  5. (slang) Money.
    • 2006, Clive James, North Face of Soho, Picador 2007, p. 153:
      He and Bruce cooked up a script together, and Bruce flew home to raise the scratch.
  6. A technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but is now a board or precisely indicated mark.
  7. A feed, usually a mixture of a few common grains, given to chickens.

Derived terms

Translations

disruption or mark on a surface
money
The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
Translations to be checked

Adjective

scratch (not comparable)

  1. For or consisting of preliminary or tentative, incomplete, etc. work.
    This is scratch paper, so go ahead and scribble whatever you want on it.
  2. Hastily assembled; put together in a hurry or from disparate elements.
    • 1988, James McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, Oxford 2004, p. 740:
      Bluecoats began crossing the James on June 14 and next day two corps approached Petersburg, which was held by Beauregard with a scratch force of 2,500.
  3. (computing, from scratchpad) Relating to a data structure or recording medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.
  4. Constructed from whatever materials are to hand.
  5. (sports) (of a player) Of a standard high enough to play without a handicap, i.e. to compete without the benefit of a variation in scoring based on ability.
    • 1964, Charles Price, The American golfer, page 48:
      ... the shot that does most to make a genuine scratch golfer is the mashie shot up to the pin — not merely up to the green.

Derived terms

References

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Last modified on 19 May 2013, at 19:52