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   rub

   /rʌb/

   verb

   • 1. apply firm pressure to the surface of (something), using a repeated back and forth motion: "she rubbed her arm, where she had a large bruise" Similar massagekneadstrokepat
   • ▪ move (one's hand, a cloth, or another object) back and forth against a surface: "he rubbed a finger round the rim of his mug"
   • ▪ apply (ointment, polish, or a similar substance) with a back and forth motion: "she took out her sun cream and rubbed some on her nose" Similar applyput onsmearsmoothspreadwork incream in
   • ▪ make dry, clean, or smooth by rubbing: "she found a towel and began rubbing her hair"
   • ▪ work an ingredient into (a mixture) by breaking and blending it with firm movements of one's fingers: "sift the flour into a bowl and rub in the fat"
   • ▪ reproduce the design of (a sepulchral brass or a stone) by rubbing paper laid on it with coloured wax, pencil, or chalk, etc.: "he was rubbing an old brass"
   • 2. (with reference to two things) move or cause to move to and fro against each other with a certain amount of friction: "many insects make noises by rubbing parts of their bodies together"
   • ▪ (of shoes or other hard items in contact with the skin) cause pain through friction: "badly fitting shoes can rub painfully" Similar chafepinchscrapeabradehurtbe sorebe painful
   • ▪ (of a bowl) be slowed or diverted by the unevenness of the ground.

   noun

   • 1. an act of rubbing: "she pulled out a towel and gave her head a quick rub" Similar massagerub-downpolishbuffingwipeclean
   • ▪ an ointment designed to be rubbed on the skin to ease pain: "a muscle rub"
   • ▪ a mixture of spices and other seasonings that is applied to the surface of meat or fish before cooking: "he will be using coffee in a rub for a rack of lamb"
   • 2. the central problem or difficulty in a situation: "that was the rub—she had not cared enough" Similar problemdifficultytroubledrawbackhindranceobstacleobstructionimpedimentsnaghitchcatch
   • 3. (in bowling) an uneven patch of ground that impedes or diverts a bowl.

   Word Origin Middle English (as a verb): perhaps from Low German rubben, of unknown ultimate origin. The noun dates from the late 16th century.

   Scrabble Points: 5

   • R

     1

   • U

     1

   • B

     3

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2. People also ask

   What does rubbed mean?

   • , rubbed, rub·bing. to rub a table top with wax polish; to rub the entire back area. to rub the cloth over the glass pane. to rub lotion on her chapped hands. He rubbed his hands together. to mark, polish, force, move, etc. (something) by pressure and friction (often followed by over, in, or into ).

   RUB Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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   What does rub mean?

   • Get Word of the Day daily email! The meaning of RUB is to move along the surface of a body with pressure : grate. How to use rub in a sentence.

   Rub Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

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   What does rub mean in Hamlet?

   • To rub is to push firmly and repeatedly, like when you rub your sore foot. When Hamlet says, "aye, there's the rub ," he's not talking about getting a massage. Rub, as a noun, is an obstacle or something in your way. You can rub someone's aching back or rub sunblock on your arms and legs.

   Rub - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

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   What is the meaning of rubbing?

   • 13. an act or instance of rubbing: an alcohol rub. 14. something that annoys or irritates one's feelings. 15. an annoying experience or circumstance. 16. an obstacle or difficulty. 17. a rough or abraded area caused by rubbing. 1. rub elbows or shoulders with, to associate or mingle with.

   Elbows - definition of elbows by The Free Dictionary

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3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › rubRub Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

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   Jun 2, 2012 · Learn the various meanings and uses of the word rub as a verb and a noun, with synonyms, examples, and etymology. Find out how to rub elbows, rub someone the wrong way, and more.

4. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishRUB | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

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   Learn the meaning of rub as a verb and a noun, with synonyms, antonyms, and related words and phrases. Find out how to use rub in different contexts, such as rubbing something off, rubbing someone the wrong way, or the rub in a situation.

5. www.dictionary.com › browse › rubRUB Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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   Rub definition: to subject the surface of (a thing or person) to pressure and friction, as in cleaning, smoothing, polishing, coating, massaging, or soothing. See examples of RUB used in a sentence.

6. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryRUB | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

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   Learn the meaning of rub as a verb and a noun, with usage examples, synonyms, antonyms, and related words. Find out how to use rub in common expressions and idioms, such as rub someone the wrong way, rub it in, and the rub.

7. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishRUB definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

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   Learn the various meanings and uses of the word rub as a verb and a noun, with synonyms, examples, and phrasal verbs. Find out the origin, pronunciation, and frequency of rub in British and American English.

8. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definitionrub verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage ...

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   Learn the meaning, pronunciation and usage of the verb rub in English. Find out how to rub something, rub against something, rub something in and more with pictures and idioms.

9. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › rubRub - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › rub

   To rub is to push firmly and repeatedly, like when you rub your sore foot. When Hamlet says, "aye, there's the rub," he's not talking about getting a massage. Rub, as a noun, is an obstacle or something in your way.