How Do You Spell EMERY?

Pronunciation: [ˈɛməɹi] (IPA)

The word "emery" is pronounced [ˈɛməri] and refers to a hard, dark substance used for polishing and grinding. The spelling of the word follows the general convention of English, with the letter "e" representing the /ɛ/ sound, the letter "m" representing the /m/ sound, and the letter "r" representing the /r/ sound. The letter "y" at the end of the word represents the /i/ sound, which is known as the "yod dropping" phenomenon in some British English accents.

EMERY Meaning and Definition

  1. Emery is a noun referring to a dark granular substance used as an abrasive material. It is usually a mixture of iron oxides and other minerals, such as corundum or magnetite, and is typically black or dark gray in color. Emery is known for its hardness and abrasive properties, making it suitable for use in various industrial applications.

    Due to its abrasive nature, emery is commonly used as a grinding and polishing agent. It is often found in emery boards or emery cloth, which are used to shape, smooth, or buff hard surfaces. Emery is also utilized in the manufacturing of grinding wheels, sandpapers, and metal polishes to remove excess material and achieve a desired finish.

    In addition, emery is sometimes employed in the production of certain cutting tools like drills or saws to enhance their cutting efficiency. It can be embedded into the surface or applied as a coating to provide extra durability and resilience when working with tough materials.

    Emery has a long history of use, dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece. Its name is derived from the Greek word "ἤμηρος" (ēmēros), meaning pumice stone, and it has been valued for its abrasive properties for thousands of years.

  2. A very hard mineral substance used for polishing articles made of metals or hard stones.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

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Etymology of EMERY

The word "emery" comes from the Middle English word "emorye", which is derived from the Old French word "esmeril" or "esmerilz", meaning "emery" or "corundum". The Old French term originated from the Late Latin word "smyris" or "smyridis", which in turn came from the Greek word "smýris" or "smýridos". The Greek term is believed to have Arabic origins, possibly stemming from the place name "Smýrna" (modern-day İzmir, Turkey), a renowned source of emery stones in the ancient world.

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