I. ˈem(ə)rē, -ri noun
( -es )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French emeri, from Old Italian smiriglio, from Medieval Latin smiriglum, from Greek smyrid-, smyris powdered emery — more at smear
1. : a common dark granular corundum that contains varying amounts of magnetite or hematite and that on account of its great hardness is used in the form of powder, grains, or larger masses for grinding and polishing
2.
a. : a natural abrasive used in modern gem grinding that is composed of an impure mixture of corundum and magnetite
b. : a hard abrasive powder — not used technically
3. or emery bag : a small cloth bag filled with powdered emery and used for polishing and sharpening needles
4. or emery board : a nail file made of cardboard covered with powdered emery
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
1. : to cover with emery (as in the preparation of abrasive papers)
2. : to roughen or smooth by rubbing with emery