abrasive

1 of 2

adjective

abra·​sive ə-ˈbrā-siv 

-ziv

1

: causing damage, wear, or removal of surface material by grinding or rubbing : tending to abrade

abrasive compounds for whitening teeth

an abrasive surface

2

: causing irritation

abrasive manners

an abrasive personality

abrasively adverb

abrasiveness noun

abrasive

2 of 2

noun

: a substance (such as emery or pumice) used for abrading, smoothing, or polishing

used an abrasive for polishing the rough stones

Did you know?

Abrasive Has Latin Roots

Once upon a time, English had abrade and abrase. While abrade remains a familiar word, abrase is rare but survives in abrasive. Both verbs come from abrādere, meaning "to remove by rubbing" or "to scrape off."

Synonyms

Adjective

• annoying
• irritating
• frustrating
• disturbing

Examples of abrasive in a Sentence

Adjective

The waves had an abrasive action on the rocks.

an abrasive display of rude behavior

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Others rely on abrasive agents like silica to mask surface stains. —Daryl Austin, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

The product of a multinational household — daughter of a West African percussionist and a Swedish designer, stepdaughter of avant-jazz trumpeter Don Cherry — this year's most daring Best New Artist nominee went on to join several abrasive and ear-shattering British punk bands in the early '80s. —EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Noun

Coarse salt works as a natural abrasive that gently pulls away stuck-on food, surface stains, and residue without damaging your cutting board or leaving behind any harmful residues. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2025

Other common kitchen staples that can be used to effectively clean cutting boards include: Baking soda: In the place of salt, baking soda can be used as a mild abrasive that's also a natural deodorizer. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin abrāsus, past participle of abrādere "to scrape off, abrade" + -ive

Noun

derivative of abrasive entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1850, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for abrasive

• invasive
• persuasive
• pervasive
• noninvasive
• unpersuasive

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Kids Definition

abrasive

1 of 2 adjective

abra·​sive ə-ˈbrā-siv 

-ziv

: having the effect of abrading

abrasively adverb

abrasiveness noun

abrasive

2 of 2 noun

: a substance (as sand) used for grinding, smoothing, or polishing

Medical Definition

abrasive

1 of 2 adjective

abra·​sive ə-ˈbrā-siv  -ziv 

: tending to abrade

an abrasive substance

abrasiveness noun

abrasive

2 of 2 noun

: a substance (as emery or pumice) used for abrading, smoothing, or polishing

called also abradant