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.
The man had bruising around both eyes, blood around his mouth and abrasions on his shoulder, back and back of his neck. — Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 2 June 2026 There’s also abrasion and bad attitude. — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 11 June 2026 According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, its leaves, fruits, and roots are all highly toxic whether eaten or just brushed up against if there's an open wound or abrasion. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 22 June 2026 Crump said the pathologist noted injury patterns on Kohen’s body caused by debris in the bullet’s wake and displayed a picture showing several abrasions on the child’s right torso. — Bracey Harris, NBC news, 1 July 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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of abrasion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about abrasion

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