abrade

IPA

Dictionary definition of abrade

To wear down or erode a surface, typically through friction or rubbing.
"The waves abrade the coastline, gradually reshaping the land over the years."

Detailed meaning of abrade

When something is abraded, it experiences the removal of small pieces or layers of material due to repeated contact with a rough or abrasive substance. This action can lead to the gradual deterioration or smoothing of the surface, often resulting in a loss of texture, shape, or integrity. Abrasion can occur in various contexts, such as when sandpaper is used to abrade wood, causing it to become smoother, or when wind and water abrasively wear down rock formations over time. In the realm of healthcare, skin can become abraded through repeated friction or pressure, leading to irritation and potential injury. The term "abrade" underscores the idea of gradual wear and tear through contact, which can have both positive and negative effects depending on the context.

Example sentences of abrade

1. The constant winds abrade the rocks in the desert, giving them a unique shape.
2. If you don't use a protective case, the rough surfaces will abrade your phone's screen over time.
3. The carpenter used sandpaper to abrade the wooden surface and make it smooth.
4. The river's current will slowly abrade the stones, turning them into pebbles.
5. Make sure you don't abrade your skin with harsh scrubbing; it can cause irritation.
6. The continuous rubbing of shoes can abrade your feet, causing blisters.

History and etymology of abrade

The verb 'abrade' finds its origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'abradere,' which is a combination of 'ab' meaning 'away from' and 'radere' meaning 'to scrape' or 'to shave.' So, the etymology of 'abrade' essentially conveys the idea of scraping or wearing away something from a surface. Over time, this term was incorporated into English to describe the process of wearing down or eroding a surface, typically through friction or rubbing. The etymology of 'abrade' highlights its roots in the action of scraping or shaving and how it has come to represent the gradual wearing away of materials or substances.

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Further usage examples of abrade

1. Climbers need strong gloves because the rough surfaces of rocks can abrade their hands.
2. The harsh cleaning chemicals can abrade the finish on the kitchen counters.
3. The rough terrain had abraded the soles of his shoes.
4. The dog attempted to abrade the leash by continually biting and pulling at it.
5. Heavy-duty machinery is used to abrade the concrete, preparing it for a new layer of paint.
6. Be careful not to abrade the delicate fabric with a rough brush while cleaning.
7. Over centuries, the relentless force of water can abrade deep canyons in rock.
8. Desert winds, carrying fine grains of sand, abrade surfaces exposed to the elements.
9. The glacier's slow movement can abrade the landscape, shaping valleys and fjords.
10. Prolonged exposure to saltwater can abrade the hull of a ship, leading to corrosion.
11. The constant friction of shoes can abrade the delicate fibers of a carpet.
12. Continuous use of the abrasive scrubber can abrade the porcelain sink.
13. Metal-on-metal contact can abrade gears and reduce their efficiency.
14. The sharp rocks in the riverbed can abrade the hull of a canoe.
15. Wind-blown sand can abrade the glass windows of beachfront homes.
16. The teeth of the gears abrade each other, causing wear and tear.
17. The grinding action of the millstones can abrade grains into flour.
18. The abrasive cleaning agent can abrade the surface of stainless steel appliances.
19. Coastal erosion is caused by waves that abrade cliffs and shorelines.
20. The abrasive qualities of volcanic ash can abrade exposed surfaces.
21. Foot traffic can abrade the finish on wooden floors, requiring refinishing.
22. The consistent use of the eraser can abrade the paper's surface.
23. The sculptor used abrasive tools to abrade the stone into a smooth form.
24. The river's swift currents abrade the pebbles on the riverbed.
25. Constant friction can abrade the tires of a vehicle, leading to reduced tread.