WASHBOARD Meaning and
Definition
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A washboard is a household tool traditionally used for manual clothes washing. It consists of a rectangular wooden, metal, or plastic board with a ridged surface on one side. The ridges, known as corrugations or ribs, are specifically designed to facilitate the scrubbing and removal of dirt, stains, and grime from fabric.
To effectively use a washboard, water, soap, and the garment to be cleaned are placed on a flat surface like a basin or tub. The soiled cloth is then rubbed against the ridged surface of the washboard to create friction and dislodge dirt particles. The raised corrugations act as miniature scrubbing surfaces, helping to agitate and release dirt more easily. The repetitive and forceful motion of scrubbing back and forth aids in breaking down stains.
Washboards were commonly used in homes before modern washing machines became widespread. They were especially popular in rural areas, where access to electricity and other modern conveniences was limited. Today, washboards are still used in some rural communities or are employed as decorative accents or musical instruments.
Metaphorically, the term "washboard" has also been adopted to describe a person's muscular abdominal region, particularly when the muscle definition is deeply accentuated. This term is often employed in casual conversations or fitness contexts to compliment or describe a well-toned physique.
Common Misspellings for WASHBOARD
Etymology of WASHBOARD
The word "washboard" is primarily derived from its literal meaning and function. It is a compound word formed by combining "wash" and "board".
"Wash" comes from the Middle English word "wasshen" or "waschen", which is related to the Old English word "woeccean". These terms originally referred to the act of cleaning or washing clothes, objects, or oneself.
"Board" has its roots in the Old English word "bord", which referred to a flat and rigid surface. Over time, "board" came to specifically indicate a thin, flat piece of wood or other material.
The term "washboard" was coined due to its appearance and use in the process of washing clothes. Historically, washboards were made of a flat wooden board with ridges or corrugations (usually made from metal) along its surface.
Idioms with the word WASHBOARD
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washboard abs
The idiom "washboard abs" refers to well-defined, sculpted, and heavily muscled abdominal muscles that resemble the ridges or grooves found on a washboard. This phrase is often used to describe a person with a very toned and chiseled midsection.
Similar spelling words for WASHBOARD
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