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

• bruise
• graze
• scrape

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

Medical examiner found Nichols' cause of death was homicide Dr. Marco Ross, the chief medical examiner for the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center, said Nichols had multiple injuries including abrasions and bruises across his body. —Jack Armstrong, USA Today, 2 May 2025

Material innovations include nylon blends that help denim reduce abrasion and reflective denim for safety. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 14 Apr. 2025

The report noted that Davis had abrasions near his right eye and a hemorrhage in the muscles of his back. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025

Her injuries included: abrasions and contusions to her right shoulder, hands and face and a fractured tooth. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 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