abrasive, a. and n.
(əˈbreɪsɪv)
[f. L. abrās-us: see abrase + -ive; as if from a L. *abrāsīvus.]
A. adj. a. Having the property of abrading.
| 1875 Ure Dict. Arts s.v. Abrasion, The abrasive tool or grinder is exactly a counterpart of the form to be produced. 1880 G. C. Wallich in Athen. 6 Mar. 316 To dispose of the supposition that the shape of the Pyrospores is due to any rolling or abrasive action at the sea bed. |
b. fig.
| 1925 T. Dreiser Amer. Trag. (1926) I. ii. xxxiv. 387 His mind was troubled with hard, abrasive thoughts. 1963 Edmund Wilson in New Statesman 8 Feb. 198/3 Abrasive is coming in, in application to literary qualities. |
B. n. An abrasive substance or body.
| 1853 O. Byrne Artisan's Handbk. 17 To polish the tool upon the oil-stone, or other fine abrasive for setting the edge. 1951 Good Housek. Home Encycl. 11/1 Abrasives are useful for heavily soiled surfaces, when soap and water or detergents are unsuccessful and some gentle friction is required. 1960 Jrnl. Iron & Steel Inst. CXIV. 406/1 A study of bonded abrasives. |