Definition: abrasion refers to a rough, thin, or irregular surface that cuts through metal or plastic during an abrasive process such as sanding, polishing, or grinding. The term comes from the German "abrasiv" meaning "rough," and it has a similar connotation in English. Abrasion can occur on many surfaces, but is most commonly associated with metals (like steel) or plastics (such as rubber) that are subjected to high speed vibrations when subjected to a grinding machine.