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dab¹

(dăb)

v. dabbed, dab·bing, dabs

v. tr.

1. To apply with short poking strokes: dabbed some paint on the worn spots.

2. To cover lightly with a moist substance: dabbed the back of the fabric with glue.

a. To rub or pat (something) lightly: dabbed his eye with the corner of his sleeve.

b. To press (something) lightly against an object or surface: dabbed a napkin to her lips.

c. To remove or brush away with light strokes: dabbed the tears from the child's eyes.

v. intr.

To make light patting or stroking motions: dabbed at the wound with a piece of gauze.

1. A small amount: a dab of jelly.

2. A quick light pat.

[Middle English dabben, to strike.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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