abrasive

Definitions


[əˈbreɪsɪv], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- (of a substance or material) capable of polishing or cleaning a hard surface by rubbing or grinding
(e.g: the wood should be rubbed down with fine abrasive paper)

- showing little concern for the feelings of others; harsh
(e.g: he acknowledged that he was at times abrasive toward staff)


Phrases:

Origin:
early 17th century: from Latin abras- ‘abraded’, from the verb abradere (see abrade) + -ive


[əˈbreɪsɪv], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a substance used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning a hard surface
(e.g: the refrigerator is easily damaged by abrasives)


Phrases:

Origin:
early 17th century: from Latin abras- ‘abraded’, from the verb abradere (see abrade) + -ive




definition by Oxford Dictionaries