scratch

1. (of a surface) to get such scratchesExamples: "This platter scratches easily."

2. (music) To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).

3. (billiards) To commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.Examples: "Embarrassingly, he scratched on the break, popping the cue completely off the table."

4. (billiards, dated, US) To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.USdated

5. (ambitransitive) To dig or excavate with the claws.Examples: "Some animals scratch holes, in which they burrow."ambitransitive

6. (swimming, athletics) To announce one's non-participation in a race or sports event part of a larger sports meeting that one was previously signed up for, usually in lieu of another event at the same meeting.Examples: "Kerley, 26, is the 2019 World bronze medalist at 400 meters, a distance he is known for and with which he also won the 2017 and 2019 U.S. titles, but surprised the track world by announcing one week ago that he scratched the 400m and would focus on the 100m and 200m in Eugene, Oregon, despite not having raced the 100m between 2015 and 2020."; "Hurtis-Houairi, in lane three, quickly caught Arron, who was in lane four, winning in 22.80. Arron, who scratched the 100m semis in order to focus on the longer sprint, could only run 23.44."