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

Article also takes pride in testing its upholstery for abrasion resistance, vigorously wear-testing it in its facilities to ensure long-lasting quality. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026

Also avoid digging or raking over the root zone, which Abdi says can sever sensitive roots or cause abrasions, encouraging pests and diseases to enter the tree. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 1 Nov. 2026

Left alone, dry eye can create tiny abrasions on the cornea, raise infection risk and in rare cases cause scarring that permanently affects vision. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Johns Hopkins warns that untreated dry eye can cause corneal abrasions, infection or scarring that permanently affects vision. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026

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