mop¹ ◙ noun 1. an implement consisting of a bundle of thick loose strings or a sponge attached to a handle, used for wiping floors or other surfaces • 拖把 a thick mass of disordered hair • 蓬乱的头发 »her tousled mop of blonde hair. 她的蓬乱金发。 [in sing.] an act of wiping something clean • 清扫 »the kitchen needed a quick mop. 厨房需要快速清扫一下。 ◙ (mopped, mopping) 1. [with obj.] clean or soak up liquid by wiping • 擦洗；拖洗 »he was mopping his plate with a piece of bread. 他用一块面包擦盘子。 [with obj. and adverbial] wipe (something) away from a surface • 擦去；拖洗掉 »a barmaid rushed forward to mop up the spilt beer. 酒吧女招待快速前去擦掉溢出的啤酒。 wipe sweat or tears from (one's face or eyes) • 擦去（脸）上的汗水；拭去（眼）中的泪水
【派生】
♦ moppy adjective
【语源】
1. late 15th cent.: perhaps ultimately related to Latin mappa 'napkin'
【IDIOMS】
◘ mop something up 1. [informal] put an end to or dispose of something • [非正式] 结束；处理 »he aims to mop up corruption. 他志在消除腐败。mop² ◙ (也作 mop fair), noun 1. [Brit. historical] an autumn fair or gathering at which farmhands and servants were hired • [英，史] （秋季雇佣农工或仆役的）雇工市场
【语源】
1. late 17th cent.: probably from the practice at the fair whereby a mop was carried by a maidservant seeking employment