abrasion

noun

abra·​sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən How to pronounce abrasion (audio)
1
a
: a wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction
2
: an abraded area of the skin or mucous membrane

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Warm Hands Beyond Guide Glove $135 at Beyond Clothing Leather gloves give you much better grip, dexterity, and abrasion resistance than synthetic alternatives. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 25 Nov. 2024 As the month progressed Prince incurred more bruises and abrasions and began vomiting. Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024 The yellow exterior of the plane also appears to show several abrasions caused by the bullets. Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 12 Nov. 2024 Prana's Halle Straight Pants II have a flattering silhouette that resembles the fit of your favorite jeans — only with UPF 50+ for sun protection, water repellency, and abrasion resistance. Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abrasion 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of abrasion was circa 1550

Dictionary Entries Near abrasion

Cite this Entry

“Abrasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrasion. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

abrasion

noun
abra·​sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən How to pronounce abrasion (audio)
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 How to pronounce abrasion (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on abrasion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!