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

Police said protesters injured two additional officers during the demonstration, leaving one with an ankle injury and another with abrasions. —Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 15 Aug. 2024

Two other officers also were hurt, one sustaining an ankle injury and another an abrasion. —CBS News, 11 Aug. 2024

Two other officers also were hurt, one suffering an ankle injury and another an abrasion. —Joe Kottke, NBC News, 10 Aug. 2024

The autopsy also identified contusions and abrasions on the back of his right hand, both of his legs, and the left side of his back. —Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 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