Rough or harsh in texture, quality, or manner; having an uneven or coarse surface.
From Latin 'asper' (rough) + adjective suffix '-ous'. This straightforward Latin-derived adjective has been used in English since medieval times to describe roughness.
Sandpaper grades are rated by how asperous they are—finer grits have smoother surfaces, while coarser grits are extremely asperous, making them perfect for rough wood preparation.
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