noun

der Abstrich, -e

swab

Eine Probe, die man mit einem Stäbchen von Haut oder Schleim nimmt, um sie zu untersuchen.

The word "Abstrich" is primarily used in two contexts:

Medical context: It refers to a smear or swab test. This is a sample of cells or secretions taken from a part of the body (such as the throat, nose, or cervix) using a sterile swab, which is then examined in a laboratory for diagnostic purposes, such as detecting bacteria, viruses, or cancerous cells.
General/Economic context: It refers to a deduction, reduction, or cutback. This is used when someone subtracts something from a total, often used in terms of lowering expectations, reducing financial amounts, or making compromises. For example, "man muss Abstriche machen" means "one has to make compromises" or "cut back on expectations."

Grammar: It is a masculine noun (der Abstrich) and follows the plural form "die Abstriche."
Word origin: It is composed of the prefix "ab-" (off, away) and the noun "Strich" (stroke, line). Etymologically, it refers to the act of "wiping off" or taking a stroke away from a larger whole. In the medical sense, it describes the motion of wiping a swab across a surface to collect material.