Definition

/skɹætʃ/

noun

A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.
“Her skin was covered with tiny scratches.”
An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
“The dog sat up and had a good scratch.”
A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.
A technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but is now a board or precisely indicated mark.
The last riders to depart in a handicap race.

verb

To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
“Could you please scratch my back?”
To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.
“I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.”
To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).
“A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.”
To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).

adjective

For or consisting of preliminary or tentative, incomplete, etc. work.
“This is scratch paper, so go ahead and scribble whatever you want on it.”
Hastily assembled, arranged or constructed, from whatever materials are to hand, with little or no preparation
(from scratchpad) Relating to a data structure or recording medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.
(of a player) Of a standard high enough to play without a handicap, i.e. to compete without the benefit of a variation in scoring based on ability.