What is the definition of abrasion?

The definition of abrasion refers specifically to a wearing away or rubbing away of a surface due to friction. This can occur on skin as in minor injuries where the top layer of skin is scraped off, or it can relate to materials in engineering contexts where surfaces are worn down through contact. It captures the essence of the physical process that results from repeated stress, friction, or contact, leading to a loss of material or a smoothening effect. Therefore, understanding abrasion in this way highlights the significance of mechanical interaction in various fields, ranging from healthcare to material science.