emery

[em-uh-ree, em-ree] /ˈɛm ə ri, ˈɛm ri/
noun
1.
a granular mineral substance consisting typically of corundum mixed with magnetite or hematite, used powdered, crushed, or consolidated for grinding and polishing.
Origin
1475-85; < Middle French emeri, Old French esmeril < Vulgar Latin *smēriculum, equivalent to Medieval Greek smêri (for Greek smýris rubbing powder; akin to smear) + Latin -culum -cule2

Emery

[em-uh-ree, em-ree] /ˈɛm ə ri, ˈɛm ri/
noun
1.
a male or female given name.
Examples from the web for emery
  • emery was able to present two expert witnesses to the jury.
British Dictionary definitions for emery

emery

/ˈɛmərɪ/
noun
1.
  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
Word Origin
C15: from Old French esmeril, ultimately from Greek smuris powder for rubbing
Word Origin and History for emery
n.

"granular mixture used as an abrasive," late 15c., from Middle French émeri, from Old French esmeril, from Italian smeriglo, from Vulgar Latin *smyrilium, from Greek smyris "abrasive powder" used for rubbing and polishing, probably a non-Greek word, perhaps from a Semitic source.