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   brush

   /brʌʃ/

   noun

   • 1. an implement with a handle and a block of bristles, hair, or wire, used especially for cleaning, applying a liquid or powder to a surface, or arranging the hair: "a shaving brush" Similar broomsweeperbesomwhisksweeping brushhairbrushclothes brushscrubbing brushtoothbrushpaintbrush
   • ▪ an act of sweeping, applying, or arranging with a brush or with one's hand: "he gave the seat a brush" Similar cleansweepwipedustmop
   • 2. a light and fleeting touch: "the lightest brush of his lips against her cheek" Similar touchstrokeskimgrazeglancerubshavepatnudgecontactkissinformal:swipe
   • ▪ a brief encounter with someone or something unpleasant or notable: "a brush with death" Similar encounterclashconfrontationcollisionconflictaltercationskirmishwranglescuffletusslefightbattleengagementfeudquarrelincidentto-doinformal:run-inscrapset-toargy-bargyspot of botherafters
   • 3. the bushy tail of a fox. Similar tailtailpiecescutdock
   • 4. a drumstick with long wire bristles, used to make a soft hissing sound on drums or cymbals.
   • 5. a piece of carbon or metal serving as an electrical contact with a moving part in a motor or alternator.
   • 6. women regarded sexually: informal Australian, New Zealand "‘Beer first, brush later.’"

   verb

   • 1. remove (dust or dirt) by sweeping or scrubbing: "we'll be able to brush the mud off easily" Similar sweepcleanbuffscrub
   • ▪ use a brush or one's hand to remove dust or dirt from (something): "once you've had it professionally cleaned, be sure to brush your coat after each wear" Similar sweepcleanbuffscrub
   • ▪ clean (one's teeth) with a toothbrush.
   • ▪ arrange (one's hair) by running a brush through it: "she carefully made up her face and brushed her long auburn hair" Similar groomcombneatentidymake neat/tidysmartensmootharrangefixadjustpreenprimpdotitivatecurry
   • ▪ apply a liquid to (a surface) with a brush: "brush the potatoes with oil"
   • 2. touch something lightly and gently: "their fingers brushed as she took the glass from him" Similar touchstrokecaressskimsweepgrazeshaveglancecontactflickscrapekiss
   • ▪ push (something) away with a quick movement of the hand: "she brushed a wisp of hair away from her face" Similar pushmovesweepclearcleanremove

   Word Origin Middle English: noun from Old French broisse; verb partly from Old French brosser ‘to sweep’.

   Derivatives

   • 1. brushlike adjective

   Scrabble Points: 10

   • B

     3

   • R

     1

   • U

     1

   • S

     1

   • H

     4

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