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Abrasions: meaning, definitions and examples

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abrasions

 

[ əˈbreɪ.ʒənz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

wounds, injuries

Abrasions are superficial injuries that occur when the skin is scraped or rubbed against a rough surface. They typically result in the removal of the outer layer of skin, causing minor bleeding and pain. Though not serious, abrasions can become infected if not treated properly.

Synonyms

friction wounds, scrapes, scratches

Examples of usage

  • She cleaned the abrasions on her knee after falling off her bike.
  • The athlete suffered multiple abrasions during the rough match.
  • Proper cleaning of abrasions is essential to prevent infection.

Etymology

The word 'abrasion' originates from the Latin word 'abrasio', which stems from 'abradere', meaning 'to scrape away'. The prefix 'ab-' means 'away from', and 'radere' means 'to scrape'. This etymology reflects the physical action associated with abrasions, where the skin is scraped away by friction. The term began to appear in English in the late 14th century, initially in medical texts to describe injuries caused by abrasive forces. Over time, its usage expanded to include various contexts, including industrial and environmental applications, such as the abrasion of materials or surfaces. Today, 'abrasion' is commonly used in both medical and everyday language to describe minor skin injuries as well as processes of wear and tear.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,852, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.