Emery: meaning, definitions and examples

⚙️
Add to dictionary

emery

 

[ ˈɛməri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

abrasive material

A hard, black mineral substance that is used for grinding and polishing, typically in the form of small pieces or a powder. Emery is often used in sandpaper and as a cutting agent in grinding wheels.

Synonyms

abrasive, corundum, grit, pumice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
emery

Emery is often used when referring to a type of abrasive powder or granules used for polishing and grinding various materials, especially in industrial settings.

  • The jeweler used emery to polish the gemstones.
  • Emery paper is commonly used for sanding wood surfaces.
abrasive

Abrasive can refer to any material or substance used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning a surface by rubbing. It is often used in a broader context, including both industrial and household applications.

  • The mechanic used an abrasive wheel to smooth the metal edges.
  • Abrasive cleaners can be too harsh for delicate surfaces.
grit

Grit typically refers to small, coarse particles of stone or sand that are often used to provide traction on surfaces or to clean and smooth surfaces in industrial applications.

  • The icy roads were covered with grit to prevent accidents.
  • He used grit to sand down the rough edges of the wooden table.
pumice

Pumice is a light, porous volcanic rock that is often used for exfoliating skin, as well as for polishing and cleaning surfaces. It can be found in both household and industrial contexts.

  • She used a pumice stone to remove calluses from her feet.
  • Pumice is sometimes used to smooth rough concrete surfaces.
corundum

Corundum is a natural mineral that is very hard and is often used in its crystallized form (such as sapphire or ruby) for jewelry, or in its impure form for industrial abrasives.

  • The gemstone was made from high-quality corundum.
  • Corundum is frequently used in sandpaper.

Examples of usage

  • Emery is commonly used in metalworking to smooth rough edges.
  • Sandpaper with emery particles is effective for removing rust from metal surfaces.
Context #2 | Noun

name

A masculine given name of Old German origin, meaning 'industrious' or 'hardworking'. Emery is a relatively uncommon name in modern times.

Synonyms

name.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
emery

Emery is a type of rock that is used for grinding and polishing. It's commonly used in manufacturing and crafting industries.

  • She used an emery board to smooth her nails
  • The craftsman polished the metal surface with emery

Examples of usage

  • Emery was a popular name for boys in the early 20th century.
  • Emery is derived from the Germanic name Emmerich.

Translations

Translations of the word "emery" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esmeril

🇮🇳 एमरी

🇩🇪 Schmirgel

🇮🇩 amplas

🇺🇦 наждак

🇵🇱 szmergiel

🇯🇵 エメリー

🇫🇷 émeri

🇪🇸 esmeril

🇹🇷 zımpara

🇰🇷 에머리

🇸🇦 قماش صنفرة

🇨🇿 smirkový papír

🇸🇰 šmirgeľ

🇨🇳 砂纸

🇸🇮 šmirgel

🇮🇸 skurðarpappír

🇰🇿 зімпара

🇬🇪 ემერი

🇦🇿 zımpara

🇲🇽 esmeril

Etymology

The word 'emery' originated from the Greek word 'smērý' and was later adapted into Latin as 'smiris'. It refers to the mineral corundum, which is a naturally occurring abrasive material. Emery has been used for centuries in various industries for grinding, polishing, and sharpening purposes. Its name is also associated with the given name Emery, which has roots in Old German. While the use of emery as a mineral dates back to ancient times, the name Emery as a given name gained popularity in the early 20th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,843, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.