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

The draft – which places a limit on particulate emissions from brake abrasion of 3-11 mg per kilometre per vehicle – was adopted by the European Union countries, as well as eight others. —Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Instead, the Packer Coat stood up to heavy use, abrasion, and bad weather with style. —Abigail Barronian, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024

The All-Star big man suffered a corneal abrasion to his left eye last season on March 16. —Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 10 Nov. 2024

Freshly harvested sweet potatoes have a bland and starchy taste, but curing improves their flavor and reduces the chances of rot by giving minor cuts and abrasions time to heal. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 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