abrasive

1 of 2

adjective

abra·​sive ə-ˈbrā-siv 

-ziv

1

: causing damage, wear, or removal of surface material by grinding or rubbing : tending to abrade

abrasive compounds for whitening teeth

an abrasive surface

2

: causing irritation

abrasive manners

an abrasive personality

abrasively adverb

abrasiveness noun

abrasive

2 of 2

noun

: a substance (such as emery or pumice) used for abrading, smoothing, or polishing

used an abrasive for polishing the rough stones

Did you know?

Abrasive Has Latin Roots

Once upon a time, English had abrade and abrase. While abrade remains a familiar word, abrase is rare but survives in abrasive. Both verbs come from abrādere, meaning "to remove by rubbing" or "to scrape off."

Synonyms

Adjective

• aggravating
• annoying
• bothersome
• carking
• chafing
• disturbing
• exasperating
• frustrating
• galling
• irksome
• irritating
• maddening
• nettlesome
• nettling
• peeving
• pesky
• pestiferous
• pestilent
• pestilential
• pesty
• plaguey
• plaguy
• rankling
• rebarbative
• riling
• vexatious
• vexing

Examples of abrasive in a Sentence

Adjective

The waves had an abrasive action on the rocks.

an abrasive display of rude behavior

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Always use mild detergents and never scrub them with an abrasive sponge or scrubber. —Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024

Josephina’s welcome to Fort Bliss is characteristically cold and all the more abrasive by the lack of privacy in the open bunk, co-ed showers, and open latrine. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024

Noun

Test chemical products on a discreet section of the fence before cleaning the entire structure, and avoid scrubbing the fence with heavy-duty abrasives, like metal scouring pads. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024

Many toothpastes contain abrasives like baking soda, calcium, peroxide, colors, and flavorings that can irritate or harm skin. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin abrāsus, past participle of abrādere "to scrape off, abrade" + -ive

Noun

derivative of abrasive entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1850, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

abrasive

1 of 2 adjective

abra·​sive ə-ˈbrā-siv 

-ziv

: having the effect of abrading

abrasively adverb

abrasiveness noun

abrasive

2 of 2 noun

: a substance (as sand) used for grinding, smoothing, or polishing

Medical Definition

abrasive

1 of 2 adjective

abra·​sive ə-ˈbrā-siv  -ziv 

: tending to abrade

an abrasive substance

abrasiveness noun

abrasive

2 of 2 noun

: a substance (as emery or pumice) used for abrading, smoothing, or polishing

called also abradant