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