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.
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.