# abradable

CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abradable
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

describing a material that can be worn away or scratched easily. It is often used to describe parts of machines that are designed to rub against each other.

For teachers: capable of being worn away or eroded by friction or rubbing. Often used in technical contexts to describe coatings or materials designed to protect underlying surfaces from damage.

## Examples

- The engine uses abradable coatings to protect the blades.
- Engineers selected an abradable material for the turbine casing to ensure it would wear down safely without damaging the internal components.
- The abradable layer on the compressor blades is engineered to sacrifice itself during high-vibration phases, preventing more expensive damage to the stationary parts of the engine.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.