abrasion

[ uh-brey-zhuhn ]

noun

1. a scraped spot or area; the result of rubbing or abrading:

   abrasions on his leg caused by falling on the gravel.

   Synonyms: lesion, scrape, sore

2. the act or process of abrading.

   Synonyms: erosion, rubbing

abrasion

/ əˈbreɪʒən /

noun

1. the process of scraping or wearing down by friction
2. a scraped area or spot; graze
3. geography the effect of mechanical erosion of rock, esp a river bed, by rock fragments scratching and scraping it; wearing down Compare attrition corrasion

abrasion

/ ə-brā′zhən /

1. The process of wearing away a surface by friction. A rock undergoes abrasion when particles of sand or small pieces of rock are carried across its surface by a glacier, stream, or the wind.
2. A scraped area on the skin or mucous membranes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of abrasion¹

1650–60; < Medieval Latin abrāsiōn- (stem of abrāsiō ), equivalent to abrās ( us ) scraped off (past participle of abrādere; abrade ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of abrasion¹

C17: from Medieval Latin abrāsiōn-, from the past participle of Latin abrādere to abrade

Example Sentences

An oval abrasion on a French bulldog’s ear was rimmed by crusty discharge.

From Los Angeles Times

Ieuan Bennett, prosecuting, showed the jury nine images taken by Ms Burley, of injuries including a “linear mark to the arm”, a “small abrasion just below the ear” and a “cut or laceration near the ankle”.

From BBC

This zoned development would have maintained essential skin functions, such as protection against abrasion, dehydration and parasites.

From Science Daily

She sought treatment that evening at an urgent care clinic complaining of pain in her left hand from a crush injury and an abrasion to her right elbow, according to medical records reviewed by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

He said in an email that he consulted a “well-regarded” Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who, after seeing pictures of the abrasion, said the scar tissue could be removed for $5,000 — half the $10,000 he had already sent her.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• scrape