emery

[ em-uh-ree, em-ree ]

/ ˈɛm ə ri, ˈɛm ri /

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noun

a granular mineral substance consisting typically of corundum mixed with magnetite or hematite, used powdered, crushed, or consolidated for grinding and polishing.

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Origin of emery

1475–85; <Middle French emeri,Old French esmeril<Vulgar Latin *smēriculum, equivalent to Medieval Greek smêri (for Greek smýris rubbing powder; akin to smear) + Latin -culum-cule²

Words nearby emery

emerize, emersed, emersion, Emerson, Emerson, Ralph Waldo, emery, emery board, emery cloth, emery wheel, emesis, E.Met.

Other definitions for emery (2 of 2)

Emery

[ em-uh-ree, em-ree ]

/ ˈɛm ə ri, ˈɛm ri /

noun

a male or female given name.

How to use emery in a sentence

When unions complained that he had a conflict of interest, Emery responded that they were “squealing like a stuck pig.”
“City Hall Put the Kibosh on That”: The Inside Story of How de Blasio Promised, Then Thwarted NYPD Accountability|by Eric Umansky and Jake Pearson|June 11, 2021|ProPublica
As Emery continued to be outspoken, he drew the ire of police unions.
“City Hall Put the Kibosh on That”: The Inside Story of How de Blasio Promised, Then Thwarted NYPD Accountability|by Eric Umansky and Jake Pearson|June 11, 2021|ProPublica
Emery acknowledged such an approach means recommended penalties had to be softened at times, but he said there was little option because the NYPD maintained the final say anyway.
Still Can’t Breathe|by Topher Sanders, ProPublica, and Yoav Gonen, THE CITY, video by Lucas Waldron, ProPublica|January 21, 2021|ProPublica
Emery, who made a number of reforms to the agency’s structure early on, used the report’s findings as an opportunity to get his team back in line with the policy.
Still Can’t Breathe|by Topher Sanders, ProPublica, and Yoav Gonen, THE CITY, video by Lucas Waldron, ProPublica|January 21, 2021|ProPublica

Emery said that top police officials seemed open to addressing it, and that a series of meetings and productive dialogue ensued.
Still Can’t Breathe|by Topher Sanders, ProPublica, and Yoav Gonen, THE CITY, video by Lucas Waldron, ProPublica|January 21, 2021|ProPublica
He told the news editor, Fred Emery, “They are not worth the paper they are written on.”
Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB Bid Is His Latest Move for Control|Clive Irving|January 30, 2011|DAILY BEAST
If an emery wheel mounted in a polishing head or lathe is at hand, this can be easily accomplished.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various
A tight-fitting wood plug is driven into the throughway of the tee and the ends ground off flush on the emery wheel.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various
The metal is annealed and polished with fine emery cloth, which is given a circular motion to produce a frosted effect.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various
The portion cut out of the bottom of the holder B is to enable the workman to easily grasp the sheets of emery cloth.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various
"I would like to think that over, Emery," said de Marmont thoughtfully.
The Bronze Eagle|Emmuska Orczy, Baroness Orczy

British Dictionary definitions for emery

emery

/ (ˈɛmərɪ) /

noun

a hard greyish-black mineral consisting of corundum with either magnetite or haematite: used as an abrasive and polishing agent, esp as a coating on paper, cloth, etc. Formula: Al 2 O 3
(as modifier)emery paper

Word Origin for emery

C15: from Old French esmeril, ultimately from Greek smuris powder for rubbing

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