abrasion

Abrasion is the process by which a material’s surface is worn away through friction, scraping, or impact. The term is used across disciplines to describe material removal or surface roughening, from natural landscapes to manufactured objects and living tissue. While related concepts such as erosion, attrition, and corrosion exist, abrasion specifically denotes surface loss caused by contact with another object or particle.

In geology, abrasion describes the erosion of rock surfaces by mechanical action of particles carried by wind, water, or ice. Sand, pebbles, and other debris strike bedrock, producing scratches, grooves, and polished faces. Over time, abrasion can smooth surfaces, create pavements, or widen channels.

In materials science and engineering, abrasive wear occurs when hard particles or rough surfaces plow into a softer substrate, removing material. Common processes include grinding, sanding, milling, and polishing. The extent of wear depends on hardness, surface roughness, load, speed, lubrication, and temperature. Mitigation strategies include using harder materials, applying surface coatings, employing lubricants, and optimizing design.

In medicine, a skin abrasion is a superficial injury resulting from scraping of the epidermis. It presents as a red or raw area with modest bleeding and carries a risk of infection if contaminated. Treatment focuses on cleaning the wound, removing debris, and protecting it with a dressing while monitoring for signs of infection.

In dentistry, dental abrasion refers to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces caused by external mechanical factors, such as aggressive brushing or abrasive dentifrices. It is distinct from attrition (tooth-to-tooth contact) and erosion (chemical dissolution).