abrasion

[ uh-brey-zhuhn ]

noun

1. a scraped spot or area; the result of rubbing or abrading:

   abrasions on his leg caused by falling on the gravel.

   Synonyms: lesion, scrape, sore

2. the act or process of abrading.

   Synonyms: erosion, rubbing

abrasion

/ əˈbreɪʒən /

noun

1. the process of scraping or wearing down by friction
2. a scraped area or spot; graze
3. See attrition, corrasion
   geography the effect of mechanical erosion of rock, esp a river bed, by rock fragments scratching and scraping it; wearing down Compare attrition corrasion

abrasion

/ ə-brā′zhən /

1. The process of wearing away a surface by friction. A rock undergoes abrasion when particles of sand or small pieces of rock are carried across its surface by a glacier, stream, or the wind.
2. A scraped area on the skin or mucous membranes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of abrasion¹

1650–60; < Medieval Latin abrāsiōn- (stem of abrāsiō ), equivalent to abrās ( us ) scraped off (past participle of abrādere; abrade ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of abrasion¹

C17: from Medieval Latin abrāsiōn-, from the past participle of Latin abrādere to abrade

Example Sentences

Made with the SPRI-exclusive material, Tuff Tube, the highly durable bands have a greater resistance to abrasion and tears.

From Popular-Science

This multipurpose balm can also be used to treat headaches, muscle fatigue, minor burns, or abrasions.

From Outside Online

This backpack is also made with ballistic nylon, which is breathable yet strong enough to resist tears, abrasion, or holes.

From Popular-Science

The report also noted abrasions on Bumpass’ forehead, his right eye, both his cheeks, and on his knees.

From The Daily Beast

I was just 18 or 19, and we had, on a weekly basis, little accidents, all with slight bodily injuries, some dislocated shoulders, abrasions and so on.

From Ozy

Kerry bent yet lower, staring closely at a discolored abrasion on Sir Lucien's forehead.

From Project Gutenberg

The average loss by abrasion of coin is estimated by Professor Bowen at one-twentieth of one per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

These were determinations of the annual wasting of the ice-surface, whether by evaporation, melting, or wind-abrasion.

From Project Gutenberg

The effect of constant abrasion upon the snow's surface is to harden it, and, finally, to carve ridges known as sastrugi.

From Project Gutenberg

He would espy the beauty of an old binding through any amount of abrasion and laceration.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• scrape