rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryemeryAbrasive material
noun

emery

EM-uh-ree/ˈeməri/

A hard mineral material used for polishing or grinding.

The emery cloth rests beside loose abrasive grains and a partly polished plate.

A close tabletop view of emery as a dark, granular mineral, with loose abrasive powder and an emery-coated cloth resting across a partly smoothed metal plate.
Etymology
emeryGreekabrasive powder

Greek smyris named abrasive powder used for rubbing and polishing, directly matching emery's use. Its deeper origin is probably non-Greek, perhaps Semitic.

In context

1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know0:51
If there's anything rusty there, you're either gonna have to replace that filler neck or you might be able to sand it down with a little bit of sandpaper or Emery cloth, and probably replace the gas cap as well.
Check Engine Code Says EVAP? How to Diagnose EVAP System Problems and Leaks

More examples

  • She smoothed the metal with emery.
  • The workshop stocked emery.
  • He examined the emery coating.

Forms

emery

Similar words

abrasive
The broader category of polishing materials.
corundum
A mineral that forms a major component of emery.