abrasion

noun

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

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.
Strong as a Board Courtesy of Dyneema Thanks to that outer layer of Dyneema, the new Woven Composite has 10 times the abrasion resistance and five times the tear resistance of the older fabric. Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 16 July 2025 Additionally, Ozcan noted how graphene provides high abrasion resistance and thermal regulation. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 June 2025 Additionally, having read about the extensive fabric testing conducted by Article to ensure abrasion resistance (150% more testing than industry standard!), I was reassured that this would be an excellent investment piece for our home. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2025 The fabric performed very well in our abrasion test, and didn’t develop any pilling, thinning, or loose threads whatsoever. Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abrasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrasion. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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

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