scratch

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an abraded area where the skin is torn or worn off
  2. noun a depression scratched or carved into a surface
  3. noun informal terms for money

Etymology

From Middle English scracchen, of uncertain origin. Probably a blend of Middle English scratten (“to scratch”) and cracchen (“to scratch”). More at scrat and cratch.

In classic literature

Synonyms

abrasion, scrape, excoriation

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