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

Additionally, aloe vera is often used for muscle pain, bruises, cuts, abrasions, and inflammation to the skin from burns and frostbite; many studies support its use to improve wound healing and reduce skin inflammation, itching, and irritation. —Atenea Morales De La Cruz, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025

Mapped polyurethane overlays add abrasion and penetration resistance to key areas, while low-wear areas go without the protection in order to maintain breathability. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 6 Feb. 2025

Center Ivica Zubac returned after missing two games because of a left eye corneal abrasion and James Harden (groin), Norman Powell (back) and Nicolas Batum (finger) returned after sitting out Wednesday’s overtime loss to Boston. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025

Whipple suffered several abrasions and a broken jaw, while Diaz-Lopardo was treated for minor abrasions and a broken sternum, according to the warrant affidavit. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2025

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