Dermabrasion
/ˌdɜːrməˈbreɪʒən/noun
A cosmetic procedure that removes the outer layers of skin by abrasion.
Did you know?Dermabrasion is a modern medical coinage built from Greek roots, and its first half, derm-, also survives in words like dermatitis and epidermis, all tracing back to the ancient word for skin.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
δέρμα (dérma)
“skin, hide”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βρᾶσις (brâsis)
“a gnawing, eating, wearing away”
Late 19th Century
English
dermabrasion
“medical removal of skin by abrasion”
Modern English
English
dermabrasion
“a cosmetic or surgical procedure that sands away the outer skin layers”
Explore more surprising origins