abrasive
- any material or substance used for grinding, polishing, etc., as emery, pumice, or sandpaper.
Origin of abrasive
Synonyms for abrasive
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comRelated Words for abrasive
biting, nasty, annoying, caustic, sharp, rough, cutting, scratching, grinding, galling, hateful, hurtful, unpleasant, spiky, scratchy, erosiveExamples from the Web for abrasive
Contemporary Examples of abrasive
In her newest EP Love Your Boyfriend, she takes the messaging of love songs and places it in an abrasive, sonic package.
The sound of the record, meanwhile, is ideal: not too smooth, not too abrasive.
He stayed away from the gym for a while and came back transformed, abrasive and rude when he had once been polite and respectful.
There is a sense that House of Cards reflects the infighting and abrasive atmosphere of the political sphere at the time.
In contrast to the abrasive and high-handed Zakir, Ibrahim is an admired figure among the insurgents.
Historical Examples of abrasive
Feldspar as an abrasive is used mainly in scouring soaps and window-wash.
The Economic Aspect of GeologyC. K. Leith
It had every appearance of having been tampered with; sand or some other abrasive put into it.
Pirates' HopeFrancis Lynde
It has an extensive use as an abrasive for grinding and polishing.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume XIVJohn Lord
No doubt its only use was as an abrasive, after being pounded fine.
Archeological InvestigationsGerard Fowke
Certainly this was no place to set down the full weight of Astro nor to protect the crew and equipment from abrasive dust.
The Quantum JumpRobert Wicks
abrasive
- a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing
- causing abrasion; grating; rough
- irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance
Word Origin and History for abrasive
"an abrasive substance," 1853, from abrasive (adj.).
abrasive
(ə-brā′sĭv)- Causing abrasion.
- A material used to produce abrasion.