brush

brush · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A tool with bristles used for cleaning, grooming, or painting.

  2. 2.

    An act of brushing.

  3. 3.

    A brief, light touch in passing.

  4. 4.

    Dense vegetation consisting of shrubs and small trees.

  5. 5.

    A brief encounter, especially an unpleasant one.

  6. 6.

    To clean, groom, or apply with a brush.

  7. 7.

    To touch lightly in passing.

Forms

plural: brushes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    brush off — to dismiss or ignore
  • •
    brush up on — to improve or refresh one's knowledge
  • •
    tarred with the same brush — judged to have the same faults

Related words

See also: clean, comb, paint
Synonyms: broom, comb

Etymology

From Old French "brosse" meaning brush or brushwood.