emery

noun

em·​ery ˈe-mə-rē How to pronounce emery (audio)
ˈem-rē
plural emeries
often attributive
: a dark granular mineral that consists of corundum with iron oxide impurities (such as magnetite) and is used as an abrasive
also : a hard abrasive powder

Examples of emery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This budget-friendly drill comes with two shaping bits, a cuticle pusher, plus buffing and emery attachments for a flawless manicure. Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, 7 Jan. 2023 Any imperfections, any divots or ridges, must be judiciously smoothed, and a climber’s equipment includes pumice stones, sandpaper and emery boards. David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2021 Smaller pockets to hold chalk for the box call and emery paper for the pot and striker calls is also a plus. Frank Sargeant, AL.com, 8 Apr. 2018 Once the polish is gone, wash your hands, dry them thoroughly, and use an emery board or nail file to shape your nails. Seventeen, 22 Apr. 2008

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emery.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French esmeril, from Old Italian smiriglio, from Medieval Latin smiriglum, from Greek smyrid-, smyris

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emery was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near emery

Cite this Entry

“Emery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emery. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

emery

noun
em·​ery ˈem-(ə-)rē How to pronounce emery (audio)
plural emeries
: a dark mineral used in the form of powder or grains for polishing and grinding

Medical Definition

emery

noun
em·​ery ˈem-(ə-)rē How to pronounce emery (audio)
plural emeries
often attributive
: a dark granular mineral that consists essentially of corundum and is used for grinding and polishing
also : a hard abrasive powder

More from Merriam-Webster on emery

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!