sandpaper

Everyday

1. Strong paper with sand or grit stuck to one side, used for rubbing wood or other surfaces to make them smooth. tree →
2. (verb) To smooth something by rubbing it with sandpaper. tree →

In the lessons

In design and technology lessons you sandpaper wood before painting it; rough and smooth grades are compared. In science, it is used to show friction. In descriptions, a cat's tongue or a rough cheek feels like sandpaper. Phrases: rub with sandpaper, sandpaper the edges, rough as sandpaper.

Examples

• Use sandpaper to smooth the edges of your wooden box. tree →
• Dad sandpapered the old door before painting it. tree →
• A cat's tongue feels like sandpaper. tree →
• Coarse sandpaper takes off a lot; fine sandpaper makes it really smooth. tree →
• Wear a mask when sandpapering, because the dust gets in your nose. tree →
• Grandad's chin felt like sandpaper when he hadn't shaved. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable: some sandpaper, a sheet or piece of sandpaper. The verb sand is often used instead: sand the table. Lower grit numbers mean rougher paper.