Definition of swabs:
(n) :
(medicine) A small piece of soft, absorbent material, such as gauze, used to clean wounds, apply medicine, or take samples of body fluids. Often attached to a stick or wire to aid access.
(n) :
A sample taken with a swab (piece of absorbent material).
(n) :
A piece of material used for cleaning or sampling other items like musical instruments or guns.
(v) :
(transitive) To use a swab on something, or clean something with a swab.
(n) :
A mop, especially on a ship.
(n) :
(slang) A sailor; a swabby.