airbrasive

[ air-brey-siv, -ziv ]

noun

1. an instrument for cutting tooth structure by means of a stream of abrasive particles under gas or air pressure.

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to the technique of using this instrument.

Word History and Origins

Origin of airbrasive¹

First recorded in 1940–45; air ¹ + (a)brasive

Example Sentences

Dr. Black's new method, which he calls "airbrasive," is something like sandblasting, i.e., he wears hard surfaces away with an abrasive propelled by fast-moving air.

From Time Magazine Archive