emery
n. uncountable C1 Advanced US //ˈɛmɝi// UK //ˈɛməɹi// emery
n. a very hard, dark rock that is crushed into powder. It is used to make tools for smoothing or polishing hard surfaces like metal or fingernails.
n. a granular rock consisting of a mixture of corundum and magnetite or hematite, used as an abrasive. Often applied to paper or cloth to create tools for grinding and polishing.
She used an emery board to smooth her nails.
The jeweler used a fine emery cloth to remove the scratches from the silver ring.
Before the final polish, the metalworker used various grades of emery to ensure the surface was perfectly uniform and free of industrial burrs.
Usage
Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'emery board', 'emery cloth', or 'emery paper'.