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 finale takes us straight to the hospital, where doctors inform Yancy that Ellie’s suffered a placental abrasion, putting both Ellie and the baby’s life at risk. — Barry Levitt, Time, 23 July 2026

The nylon is also abrasion-resistant, and both the men’s and women’s sizes have a long enough center-back length to tuck into hiking pants. — Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026

Ask about fiber content, abrasion rating and frame materials. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

Ask the retailer for specifics on fiber content, abrasion rating, frame materials and cushion density. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 21 July 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