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.

Nearby words

abram, abranchiate, abraser, abrash, abrasion, abrasive, abrasiveness, abraxas, abrazo, abreact, abreaction

Origin of abrasive

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

SYNONYMS FOR abrasive

2 harsh, rough, rasping.

Related forms

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for abrasiveness

When in disagreement, Scalia became known for the “abrasiveness of his attacks against opponents.”
The Outside Game of Justice Scalia, a Loner With Clout|David Fontana|June 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for abrasiveness

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

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

Medicine definitions for abrasiveness (1 of 2)

abrasiveness

[ ə-brā′sĭv-nĭs ]

n.

The property of a substance that causes surface wear by friction.

The quality of being able to scratch or abrade another material.

Medicine definitions for abrasiveness (2 of 2)

abrasive

[ ə-brā′sĭv ]

adj.

Causing abrasion.

n.

A material used to produce abrasion.