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

Arda said New Grain has achieved tensile strength above 10 megapascals at elongations of 50 percent to 100 percent, colorfastness to rubbing rated between grades 4 and 5 and abrasion resistance exceeding 50,000 cycles. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026

The extent of their injuries consisted of bruises and skin abrasions from the airbags and seat belts. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026

Sugar and salt are examples of physical exfoliators, which manually slough off dead skin cells and product buildup via gentle abrasion. — Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2026

The baby had an abrasion and bruising on his head, according to the sheriff’s office. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 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