abrasion

noun

abra·​sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən 

1

a

: a wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction

b

: irritation

2

: an abraded area of the skin or mucous membrane

Synonyms

• bruise
• graze
• scrape

Examples of abrasion in a Sentence

abrasion of rocks by wind and water

walked away from the auto accident with only minor abrasions

Recent Examples on the Web

Lumia can increase abrasion effects without pumice stone and replace permanganate. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Oct. 2024

Warm Hands Beyond Guide Glove $135 at Beyond Clothing Leather gloves give you much better grip, dexterity, and abrasion resistance than synthetic alternatives. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 25 Nov. 2024

As the month progressed Prince incurred more bruises and abrasions and began vomiting. —Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024

The yellow exterior of the plane also appears to show several abrasions caused by the bullets. —Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 12 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin abrāsiōn-, abrāsiō, from Latin abrādere "to scrape off" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at abrade

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

abrasion

noun

abra·​sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən 

1

: a rubbing, grinding, or wearing away by friction

2

: a place where the surface has been rubbed or scraped off

an abrasion on her knee

Medical Definition

abrasion

noun

abra·​sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən 

1

: wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction

2

a

: the rubbing or scraping of the surface layer of cells or tissue from an area of the skin or mucous membrane

also : a place so abraded

b

: the mechanical wearing away of the tooth surfaces by chewing