Word
abrasion
Phoneticsabra·sion
US/əˈbɹeɪʒən/
UK/ɐbɹˈeɪʒən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a thin layer of rock or soil that is worn away by wind, water, or ice. In medicine, it also means a small scrape on the skin.
n. the process of wearing away rock or soil through mechanical action; also refers to a superficial scrape or scratch on the skin.
Examples
“The wind caused a thin layer of abrasion on the stone.”
“Geologists studied the abrasion of the canyon walls to understand how the river shaped the landscape over thousands of years.”
“While the outer layer of the rock was smoothed by centuries of abrasion, the inner core remained jagged and resistant to the relentless forces of erosion.”
Examples
simple
“The wind caused a thin layer of abrasion on the stone.”
contextual
“Geologists studied the abrasion of the canyon walls to understand how the river shaped the landscape over thousands of years.”
complex
“While the outer layer of the rock was smoothed by centuries of abrasion, the inner core remained jagged and resistant to the relentless forces of erosion.”
Real-World Examples
“A school was also hit by the powerful winds, leaving six children with minor cuts and abrasions.” “Addressing the situation incorrectly can lead to bigger issues such as infection, scarring, an ulcer or corneal scratches, which are abrasions on the clear covering of your eye.” Etymology
First attested in 1656. From French abrasion (attested since 1611), from Medieval Latin abrasio (“a scraping”), from Latin abrādō (“scrape off”). See also abrade.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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