English edit

Verb edit

scrub out (third-person singular simple present scrubs out, present participle scrubbing out, simple past and past participle scrubbed out)

  1. (healthcare) To leave a surgical operating theater where one has previously scrubbed in.
    • 17 May 2012, New Scientist, New device lets surgeons check medical images during an operation without having to scrub out.
  2. (literally) To scrub until all uncleanliness has been removed.
    • 2020 September 1, Tom Lamont, “The butcher's shop that lasted 300 years (give or take)”, in The Guardian[1]:
      His grandfather insisted on spotless good order, and the shop had a reputation for cleanliness, one maintained by Frank’s mum, who for years would get down on her knees and scrub out.