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

Tyson, who suffered an arm abrasion in the incident, will be booked once he is released from the hospital, Sanders said. —Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Sep. 2025

Coconut oil may help address common skin issues like dry skin, eczema, and minor cuts and abrasions. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 28 Aug. 2025

Nearly everyone else suffered injuries including cuts, bruises and abrasions, according to O'Callaghan. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2025

Brown fled the scene and was apprehended later on Wednesday with abrasions on his knees and a bloodied face. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 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