abrasive - a podcast by Merriam-Webster

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 16, 2021 is: abrasive \uh-BRAY-siv\ adjective
Abrasive means, literally, "causing damage or wear by rubbing, grinding, or scraping." Figuratively, it is used to describe people or things that are unpleasant or irritating.

// The powder might seem abrasive, but when used as instructed, it will remove dirt without damaging the surface.

// Customer service requires being able to satisfy the polite subscribers but also the abrasive ones who argue with the terms of agreement.

[See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrasive)

Examples:

"During the late fall and winter, frequent snowfall and abrasive sidewalk salt can damage the design of a holiday doormat within weeks." — Valerie Jacobsen, KDVR (Denver, Colorado), 29 Oct. 2021

Did you know?

Once upon a time, English had abrade and abrase. While [abrade](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrade) remains a familiar word, [abrase](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrase) is rare but survives in abrasive. Both verbs come from abr?dere, meaning "to remove by rubbing" or "to scrape off."

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