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plural emeries
often attributive
: a dark granular mineral that consists of corundum with iron oxide impurities (such as magnetite) and is used as an abrasive
also
: a hard abrasive powder
Examples of emery in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This budget-friendly drill comes with two shaping bits, a cuticle pusher, plus buffing and emery attachments for a flawless manicure.
—Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, 7 Jan. 2023
Any imperfections, any divots or ridges, must be judiciously smoothed, and a climber’s equipment includes pumice stones, sandpaper and emery boards.
—David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2021
Smaller pockets to hold chalk for the box call and emery paper for the pot and striker calls is also a plus.
—Frank Sargeant, AL.com, 8 Apr. 2018
Once the polish is gone, wash your hands, dry them thoroughly, and use an emery board or nail file to shape your nails.
—Seventeen, 22 Apr. 2008
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French esmeril, from Old Italian smiriglio, from Medieval Latin smiriglum, from Greek smyrid-, smyris
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of emery was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing emery
Dictionary Entries Near emery
Cite this Entry
“Emery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emery. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
emery
noun
em·ery
ˈem-(ə-)rē
plural emeries
: a dark mineral used in the form of powder or grains for polishing and grinding
Medical Definition
emery
noun
em·ery
ˈem-(ə-)rē
plural emeries
often attributive
: a dark granular mineral that consists essentially of corundum and is used for grinding and polishing
also
: a hard abrasive powder
More from Merriam-Webster on emery
Nglish: Translation of emery for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emery
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