sandpaper

[ sand-pey-per ]

noun

1. strong paper coated with a layer of sand or other abrasive, used for smoothing or polishing.

verb (used with object)

1. to smooth or polish with or as if with sandpaper.

sandpaper

/ ˈsændˌpeɪpə /

noun

1. (formerly) a strong paper coated with sand for smoothing and polishing
2. a common name for glasspaper

verb

1. tr to polish or grind (a surface) with or as if with sandpaper

Word History and Origins

Origin of sandpaper¹

First recorded in 1815–25; sand + paper

Example Sentences

Those pulses passed through transceivers, encountered the sandpapers, then rebounded back through the system for analysis by the team's learning model.

From Science Daily

Start with coarse sandpaper — maybe 80 grit — and work up to progressively finer grades, ending with 400 grit.

From Seattle Times

The voice of Michael McDonald has been compared to velvet, silk and sandpaper, melted chocolate and last year, by a besotted 11-year-old girl, an angel.

From New York Times

You’ll want clamps of various sizes to hold pieces together while drilling or assembling, along with sandpaper in a range of grits.

From Seattle Times

They are also less likely to recognise faces, remember the sound of a piece of music or the feel of sandpaper, and more likely to work in science, maths or computing.

From BBC