graze
UK: ɡreɪz | US: ɡreɪz
v. (of animals) to feed on growing grass or plants
v. to lightly scratch or scrape the surface of something
n. a superficial injury caused by scraping the skin
The word "graze" originates from the Old English græsian, meaning "to feed on grass," derived from græs (grass). Over time, it evolved to also describe the action of animals feeding on vegetation. The secondary meaning—"to scrape lightly"—emerged in the 16th century, likely influenced by the gentle contact between teeth and grass during grazing, metaphorically extended to superficial contact or abrasion.
The cows graze peacefully in the meadow at dawn.
A bullet grazed his shoulder, leaving a minor wound.
She watched the sheep graze on the hillside.
The car’s paint was grazed by the rough branches.
He fell off his bike and grazed his knee.