sandpaper

[sand-pey-per]

noun

1. strong paper coated with a layer of sand or other abrasive, used for smoothing or polishing.

verb (used with object)

1. to smooth or polish with or as if with sandpaper.

sandpaper

/ ˈsændˌpeɪpə /

noun

1. (formerly) a strong paper coated with sand for smoothing and polishing

2. a common name for glasspaper

verb

1. (tr) to polish or grind (a surface) with or as if with sandpaper

Word History and Origins

Origin of sandpaper¹

First recorded in 1815–25; sand + paper

Example Sentences

Certainly the high jinks have caught the attention of those in Australia, who have put the sandpaper down long enough to have their say on England's morals.

From BBC

His lowest false shot percentage in any of his eight Test centuries in England was 9% - a difference of far more than a strip of sandpaper or two.

From BBC

“Hard Truths” is sublime and soft in the way that a rough surface is smoothed to the touch by sandpaper.

From Salon

The team used 31 industrial sandpapers with surfaces of varying roughness, ranging from 1 to 100 microns thick, as experimental targets.

From Science Daily

Start with coarse sandpaper — maybe 80 grit — and work up to progressively finer grades, ending with 400 grit.

From Seattle Times