Abrasive

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /əˈbɹeɪ.sɪv/, /əˈbɹeɪ.zɪv/

Origin

abrase + -ive

Full definition of abrasive

Adjective

1. Producing abrasion; rough enough to wear away the outer surface. First attested in 1805.
2. Being rough and coarse in manner or disposition; causing irritation. First attested in 1925.An abrasive person can grate on one's sensibilities.Despite her proper upbringing, we found her manners to be terribly abrasive.

Noun

1. A substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, smoothing, or polishing. First attested in the mid 19^th century.

1. (geology) Rock fragments, sand grains, mineral particles, used by water, wind, and ice to abrade a land surface.

Related terms

• abrasion
• abrasively