abrasions
/əˈbreɪʒənz/
NOUN
1. The act of abrading or wearing away by friction
The process of rubbing, scraping, or wearing a surface away through friction.
1.1. Surface wear caused by friction
The physical process of a material or surface gradually wearing away as a result of repeated rubbing, scraping, or friction.
Synonyms
Examples
- The protective clothing shielded her from any potential abrasions during the intense activity.
- Proper safety measures can reduce the likelihood of sustaining abrasions in industrial settings.
Related Words
- friction
- attrition
- grating
- scuffing
NOUN
2. The effect of mechanical erosion on rock
The wearing away of rock, especially a riverbed, when rock fragments scratch and scrape against its surface.
2.1. Mechanical erosion of rock
The gradual wearing away of rock surfaces or riverbeds caused by fragments moving against them and producing repeated scratching and scraping.
Synonyms
Examples
- The rocky terrain posed a risk of abrasions to the climbers' hands and feet.
Related Words
- rock fragments
- sediment
- riverbed
- weathering
NOUN
3. An abraded, scraped, or worn area
A part of a surface that has become damaged, rough, or worn as a result of rubbing or scraping.
3.1. Scraped or damaged surface
A visible area of damage on a material or object caused by friction, rubbing, or scraping.
Synonyms
Examples
- After the fall, he had several minor abrasions on his knees and elbows.
Related Words
- wear
- surface damage
- grating
- bruises
NOUN
4. A superficial wound caused by scraping
A minor injury in which the surface cells of the skin are scraped or rubbed away, leaving a shallow damaged area.
4.1. Minor skin injuries
Shallow wounds caused by the skin rubbing or scraping against a rough surface, typically affecting only the outer layers of skin.
Synonyms
Examples
- The doctor cleaned and dressed the abrasions to prevent infection.
- After the fall, he had several minor abrasions on his knees and elbows.