Scrubs

/skrʌbz/ noun

Definition

Medical uniforms worn by healthcare workers in hospitals and clinics. Clothing designed to be easily cleaned and sanitized.

Etymology

From the verb 'scrub' meaning to clean vigorously, referring to the rigorous washing these garments undergo. The medical uniform sense developed in the mid-20th century with modern hospital hygiene practices.

Kelly Says

Medical scrubs democratized hospital hierarchies - before scrubs, elaborate white coats and starched uniforms reinforced rigid class distinctions, but scrubs made everyone from surgeons to orderlies look equally professional and approachable.

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