abrasive
UK: əˈbreɪsɪv | US: əˈbreɪsɪv
adj. 1. (of a substance or material) capable of polishing or cleaning a hard surface by rubbing or grinding.
adj. 2. (of a person or manner) harsh or rough in tone or behavior.
n. 1. a substance used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning a hard surface.
abrasive = abras<scrape/rub> + ive<adjective suffix>
- abras (from Latin abras-, past participle stem of abradere: ab- "away" + radere "to scrape")
- ive (suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -ivus, indicating "tending to" or "having the nature of")
Etymology Origin:
The word abrasive traces back to Latin abradere ("to scrape off"), combining ab- (away) and radere (to scrape). The suffix -ive was added in English to form an adjective meaning "tending to scrape." Over time, it gained both literal (physical grinding) and figurative (harsh behavior) meanings, reflecting the "scraping away" of surfaces or patience.
Sandpaper is a common abrasive used in woodworking.
His abrasive comments offended many colleagues.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners on delicate glassware.
The rock’s surface was smoothed with an abrasive tool.
Her abrasive personality made teamwork difficult.