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Sandpaper - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Sandpaper is a rough material made by gluing abrasive grains to paper or cloth. It is used for smoothing or polishing surfaces by rubbing them gently or firmly.

sandpaper

/ˈsændˌpeɪpər/ /ˈsændˌpeɪpə/

Definition:

A rough paper coated with abrasive material for smoothing or polishing surfaces.

Synonyms:

abrasive paper, emery paper, sanding sheet

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

smooth paper, polished surface

Common Collocations:

coarse sandpaper, fine sandpaper, sandpaper block, wet sandpaper

Derivatives:

sandpapered, sandpapering

Usage Tips:

Use sandpaper with even pressure to avoid damaging the surface; start with coarse grit and finish with fine grit.

Common Phrases:

rough as sandpaper, smooth as silk (contrast), rub it down with sandpaper

Etymology:

Derived from 'sand' + 'paper,' referring to its gritty surface used for abrasion since the 19th century.

Examples:

  • 1. The carpenter smoothed the wood with sandpaper before painting it.
  • 2. She used fine-grit sandpaper to polish the antique table gently.
  • 3. Sandpaper is essential for removing rust from metal surfaces efficiently.
  • 4. He accidentally scratched his finger while handling the coarse sandpaper roughly.

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