EnglishMain Dictionary
abrasive
Universal Words
adjective, noun
adjective
1 an abrasive substance is rough and can be used to clean a surface or to make it smooth:
abrasive kitchen cleaners * Rub down with fine abrasive paper.
2 (of a person or their manner) rude and unkind; acting in a way that may hurt other people's feelings:
an abrasive style / tone / comment * Throughout his career he was known for his abrasive manner.
abrasively adverb
abrasiveness noun [U]
noun a substance used for cleaning surfaces or for making them smooth