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Because it is a word with a single syllable, scratches is not hyphenated. The words that have a single syllable are called monosyllabic words.
Using the Knuth-Liang algorithm, we calculated the hyphenation for the word you’ve entered. However, this hyphenation has not been verified against authoritative sources and may be approximate. This is because the algorithm relies on pre-defined patterns that may not cover all exceptions, contextual variations, or irregular spellings. We are working to verify hyphenations against trusted sources to ensure greater accuracy.
Definitions of scratches
noun A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.
Example: Her skin was covered with tiny scratches.
noun An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
Example: The dog sat up and had a good scratch.
noun A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.
noun 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.
noun The last riders to depart in a handicap race.
noun An aberration.
noun A horse withdrawn from a race prior to the start.
Example: There were two scratches in race 8, which reduced the field from 9 horses to 7.
noun Money.
noun A feed, usually a mixture of a few common grains, given to chickens.
noun (in the plural) Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy.
noun A scratch wig.
noun A genre of Virgin Islander music, better known as fungi.
verb To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
Example: Could you please scratch my back?
verb To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.
Example: I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.
verb To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).
Example: A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.
verb To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
verb To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).
verb To commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.
Example: Embarrassingly, he scratched on the break, popping the cue completely off the table.
verb To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.
verb To write or draw hastily or awkwardly; scrawl.
verb To dig or excavate with the claws.
Example: Some animals scratch holes, in which they burrow.
verb To dig or scrape (a person's skin) with claws or fingernails in self-defense or with the intention to injure.
Example: The cat scratched the little girl.