emery

¹

[ em-uh-ree, em-ree ]

noun

1. a granular mineral substance consisting typically of corundum mixed with magnetite or hematite, used powdered, crushed, or consolidated for grinding and polishing.

Emery

²

[ em-uh-ree, em-ree ]

noun

1. a male or female given name.

emery

/ ˈɛmərɪ /

noun

1. 1. a hard greyish-black mineral consisting of corundum with either magnetite or haematite: used as an abrasive and polishing agent, esp as a coating on paper, cloth, etc. Formula: Al 2 O 3
   2. ( as modifier )

      emery paper

Word History and Origins

Origin of emery¹

1475–85; < Middle French emeri, Old French esmeril < Vulgar Latin *smēriculum, equivalent to Medieval Greek smêri (for Greek smýris rubbing powder; akin to smear ) + Latin -culum -cule ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of emery¹

C15: from Old French esmeril, ultimately from Greek smuris powder for rubbing

Example Sentences

Any imperfections, any divots or ridges, must be judiciously smoothed, and a climber’s equipment includes pumice stones, sandpaper and emery boards.

From Los Angeles Times

Less than a week earlier, Joe Niekro of the Minnesota Twins was caught with an emery board and a piece of sandpaper in his pocket during a game against the Angels at Anaheim Stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

For toenails, Dr. Archer recommends single-use paper emery boards that you can buy in bulk.

From New York Times

Rule 3.01 says no player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it with soil, rosin, paraffin, licorice, sand paper, emery paper or other foreign substance.

From Washington Times

And he took an emery board out of his pocket and began filing his nails.

From Literature