abrasive

[ uh-brey-siv, -ziv ]
/ əˈbreɪ sɪv, -zɪv /

noun

any material or substance used for grinding, polishing, etc., as emery, pumice, or sandpaper.

adjective

tending to abrade; causing abrasion; abrading.
tending to annoy or cause ill will; overly aggressive: an abrasive personality.

Origin of abrasive

1870–75; < Latin abrās(us) (see abrasion) + -ive

SYNONYMS FOR abrasive

2 harsh, rough, rasping.

OTHER WORDS FROM abrasive

a·bra·sive·ly, adverb a·bra·sive·ness, noun un·a·bra·sive, adjective un·a·bra·sive·ly, adverb

Words nearby abrasive

abram, abranchiate, abraser, abrash, abrasion, abrasive, abrasiveness, abraxas, abrazo, abreact, abreaction

British Dictionary definitions for abrasively

abrasive
/ (əˈbreɪsɪv) /

noun

a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing

adjective

causing abrasion; grating; rough
irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance

Derived forms of abrasive

abrasiveness, noun

Medical definitions for abrasively

abrasive
[ ə-brā′sĭv ]

adj.

Causing abrasion.

n.

A material used to produce abrasion.