Definition

A type of hard mineral used for grinding and polishing surfaces.

Example

The craftsman used emery to smooth the wooden surface before painting.

Conversation

Have you ever used emery for polishing wood?

Yeah, I tried it once, and it worked really well!

I heard it’s great for smoothing out rough surfaces, right?

Absolutely, it makes a huge difference in the finish.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Emery comes from the Old French word *emeri*, which refers to a type of abrasive material used for polishing. The term is derived from the Arabic word *al-‘amārī*, meaning 'from Amara', a place known for its emery deposits. Thus, emery refers to a material used for smoothing or polishing surfaces.

Memory Tip

Think of emery as a special material that comes from a place known for its polishing properties, helping you remember that emery is used for smoothing surfaces.

Visually Confused Words