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 of abrasion

• 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

The girl was taken to Children’s Hospital, and treated for injuries to her arms and legs, along with abrasions to her left cheek, eye and forehead. —Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 18 Nov. 2025

Feedback from the Paralympians resulted in kits with a range of adaptive and inclusive designs in footwear and seated-fit styles that feature abrasion-resistant fabric as well as braille lettering and magnetic zippers. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 18 Nov. 2025

Cotton Incorporated’s development of water-repellent and abrasion-resistant technologies, including Storm Cotton for water resistance and Tough Cotton for durability, help reduce waste and extend product lifespan. —Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 18 Nov. 2025

Less abrasion on the surface helps denim maintain its color. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 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