abrasive

[ uh-brey-siv, -ziv ]
/ əˈbreɪ sɪv, -zɪv /

noun

any material or substance used for grinding, polishing, etc., as emery, pumice, or sandpaper.

adjective

tending to abrade; causing abrasion; abrading.
tending to annoy or cause ill will; overly aggressive: an abrasive personality.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of abrasive

1870–75; < Latin abrās(us) (see abrasion) + -ive

SYNONYMS FOR abrasive

2 harsh, rough, rasping.

OTHER WORDS FROM abrasive

a·bra·sive·ly, adverba·bra·sive·ness, nounun·a·bra·sive, adjectiveun·a·bra·sive·ly, adverb

Words nearby abrasive

abram, abranchiate, abraser, abrash, abrasion, abrasive, abrasiveness, abraxas, abrazo, abreact, abreaction
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for abrasively

abrasive
/ (əˈbreɪsɪv) /

noun

a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing

adjective

causing abrasion; grating; rough
irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance

Derived forms of abrasive

abrasiveness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for abrasively

abrasive
[ ə-brā′sĭv ]

adj.

Causing abrasion.

n.

A material used to produce abrasion.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.