emery

UK: /ˈɛmərɪ/ US: /ˈɛməri/ ,(em′ə rē, em′rē)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

em•er•y /ˈɛməri/   n. [uncountable]

1. Mineralogy a hard, grainy mineral used for grinding and polishing.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

em•er•y  (em′ə rē, em′rē), n. 

1. Mineralogy a granular mineral substance consisting typically of corundum mixed with magnetite or hematite, used powdered, crushed, or consolidated for grinding and polishing.

• Vulgar Latin *smēriculum, equivalent. to Medieval Greek smêri (for Greek smýris rubbing powder; akin to smear) + Latin -culum -cule²
• Middle French emeri, Old French esmeril
• 1475–85

Em•er•y  (em′ə rē, em′rē), n. 

1. a male or female given name.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

emery / ˈɛmərɪ/ noun

1. a hard greyish-black mineral consisting of corundum with either magnetite or haematite: used as an abrasive and polishing agent, esp as a coating on paper, cloth, etc. Formula: Al₂O₃
2. (as modifier): emery paper

Etymology: 15th Century: from Old French esmeril, ultimately from Greek smuris powder for rubbing