abrasion
noun
abra·sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən 
1
a
: a wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction
b
: irritation
2
: an abraded area of the skin or mucous membrane
Synonyms
- bruise
- graze
- scrape
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
abrasion of rocks by wind and water walked away from the auto accident with only minor abrasions
Recent Examples on the Web In Lab evaluations, Samsonite luggage has proven to be abrasion resistant and scratch resistant, staying in great shape after testing. 
Jamie Kim, Good Housekeeping, 26 July 2022 Pilling resistance: Swatches of fabric are rubbed together using our abrasion machine (pictured above) to see whether or not the fabric will form those pesky little balls of fibers. Lexie Sachs, Good Housekeeping, 7 July 2022 This pair also earned one of the highest durability scores in our Lab tests with impressive abrasion resistance. Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 1 Aug. 2022 But unlike the outdoorsy outfits of yore, these are also abrasion-resistant—which translates into a chafe-free summer for you. Shanna Shipin, Glamour, 15 July 2022 Everything in Lululemon’s new collection is constructed with abrasion-resistant seams to reduce friction and the risk of ripping your clothes on branches or rocks. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 6 July 2022 The thicker neoprene and reinforced kevlar panels equal better abrasion resistance and longevity. Outside Online, 23 June 2022 Made from industrial hemp and recycled polyester, the Farrier’s shirt resists abrasion yet is gentle against the skin. Berne Broudy, Outside Online, 22 Mar. 2021 Bobby Portis took an elbow to the face from Tristan Thompson in the first quarter, dripping blood from under his right eye before being sidelined for the rest of the game with an abrasion that impaired his vision. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2022 See More
Jamie Kim, Good Housekeeping, 26 July 2022 Pilling resistance: Swatches of fabric are rubbed together using our abrasion machine (pictured above) to see whether or not the fabric will form those pesky little balls of fibers. Lexie Sachs, Good Housekeeping, 7 July 2022 This pair also earned one of the highest durability scores in our Lab tests with impressive abrasion resistance. Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 1 Aug. 2022 But unlike the outdoorsy outfits of yore, these are also abrasion-resistant—which translates into a chafe-free summer for you. Shanna Shipin, Glamour, 15 July 2022 Everything in Lululemon’s new collection is constructed with abrasion-resistant seams to reduce friction and the risk of ripping your clothes on branches or rocks. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 6 July 2022 The thicker neoprene and reinforced kevlar panels equal better abrasion resistance and longevity. Outside Online, 23 June 2022 Made from industrial hemp and recycled polyester, the Farrier’s shirt resists abrasion yet is gentle against the skin. Berne Broudy, Outside Online, 22 Mar. 2021 Bobby Portis took an elbow to the face from Tristan Thompson in the first quarter, dripping blood from under his right eye before being sidelined for the rest of the game with an abrasion that impaired his vision. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2022 See More 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
Medical Definition
abrasion
noun
abra·sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən
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
abrasion
noun
as in bruise
an area of skin roughened or worn away by harsh rubbing against another surface walked away from the auto accident with only minor abrasions Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- bruise
- graze
- scrape
- gall
- bedsore