abrasive

<font size="-1" face="arial, helvetica"> <p> <strong> <font color="#000066">Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 16, 2021 is:</font> </strong> </p> <p> <strong>abrasive</strong> &#149; \uh-BRAY-siv\&nbsp; &#149; <em>adjective</em><br /> <p><em>Abrasive</em> 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.</p> <p>// The powder might seem <em>abrasive</em>, but when used as instructed, it will remove dirt without damaging the surface.</p> <p>// Customer service requires being able to satisfy the polite subscribers but also the <em>abrasive</em> ones who argue with the terms of agreement.</p> <p><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrasive">See the entry ></a></p> </p> <p> <strong>Examples:</strong><br /> <p>"During the late fall and winter, frequent snowfall and <em>abrasive</em> sidewalk salt can damage the design of a holiday doormat within weeks." — Valerie Jacobsen, <em>KDVR</em> (Denver, Colorado), 29 Oct. 2021</p> </p> <p> <strong>Did you know?</strong><br /> <p>Once upon a time, English had <em>abrade</em> and <em>abrase</em>. While <em><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrade">abrade</a></em> remains a familiar word, <em><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrase">abrase</a></em> is rare but survives in <em>abrasive</em>. Both verbs come from <em>abrādere</em>, meaning "to remove by rubbing" or "to scrape off."</p> <br /><br /> </p> </font>