mop

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mop / mäp/ • n. an implement consisting of a sponge or a bundle of thick loose strings attached to a handle, used for wiping floors or other surfaces. ∎  a thick mass of disordered hair: her tousled mop of blonde hair. ∎  [in sing.] an act of wiping something clean, esp. a floor: the kitchen needed a quick mop.• v. (mopped, mop·ping) [tr.] clean or soak up (something) by wiping: he was mopping his plate with a piece of bread. ∎  [tr.] wipe (something) away from a surface: a barmaid rushed forward to mop up the spilled beer. ∎  wipe sweat or tears from (one's face or eyes): he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to mop his brow.PHRASAL VERBS: mop up inf. finish a task.mop something up inf. put an end to or dispose of something: he aims to mop up corruption.DERIVATIVES: mop·py adj.

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