abrasion

noun

abra·​sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən How to pronounce abrasion (audio)
Synonyms of abrasion
1
a
: a wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction
b
: irritation
2
: an abraded area of the skin or mucous membrane

Synonyms of abrasion

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Examples of abrasion in a Sentence

abrasion of rocks by wind and water walked away from the auto accident with only minor abrasions
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Left alone, dry eye can create tiny abrasions on the cornea, raise infection risk and in rare cases cause scarring that permanently affects vision. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Johns Hopkins warns that untreated dry eye can cause corneal abrasions, infection or scarring that permanently affects vision. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026 With grip and lightweight comfort, the latest footwear styles feature an Avalon® Gecko TPU sole complete with a lighter-than-rubber material that provides abrasion resistance and slip resistance on terrain in wet and dry conditions. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 Most had abrasions and small cuts, and all but the driver have since been treated and released, authorities said Monday during a press briefing. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abrasion

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin abrāsiōn-, abrāsiō, from Latin abrādere "to scrape off" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at abrade

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of abrasion was circa 1550

Rhymes for abrasion

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Browse Nearby Words

abrasiometer
abrasion
abrasion platform
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Cite this Entry

“Abrasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrasion. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

abrasion

noun
abra·​sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən How to pronounce abrasion (audio)
1
: a rubbing, grinding, or wearing away by friction
2
: a place where the surface has been rubbed or scraped off
an abrasion on her knee

Medical Definition

abrasion

noun
abra·​sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən How to pronounce abrasion (audio)
1
: wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction
2
a
: the rubbing or scraping of the surface layer of cells or tissue from an area of the skin or mucous membrane
also : a place so abraded
b
: the mechanical wearing away of the tooth surfaces by chewing

More from Merriam-Webster on abrasion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about abrasion

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