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

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

Washing inside out also helps prevent color loss from abrasion, which can leave dark colors looking faded. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025

Williams and other family members decided to use the hotel's indoor swimming pool, and Williams suffered a mild abrasion on her knee getting out of the pool. —Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 31 July 2025

Common fireworks injuries include burns, abrasions, fractures and eye injuries. Sparklers, while seemingly safe, can reach temperatures of 1,800 degrees and cause burns or eye impalement. —Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025

And despite the tight fit, the fabric felt soft against the skin without any abrasion or irritation. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 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

Rhymes for abrasion

• caucasian
• equation
• eurasian
• evasion
• invasion
• occasion
• persuasion
• asian
• suasion
• athanasian

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