The word "grazes" is spelled with a "z" at the end, even though the sound it represents is typically spelled with an "s". This is because the "z" indicates that the "s" sound is pronounced as a voiced sound, meaning that the vocal cords vibrate while producing the sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, this sound is represented as /z/. So while we might expect the word to be spelled "graces", the "z" in "grazes" tells us that the final sound is pronounced as /z/.
Grazes, as a noun, refer to superficial wounds or injuries typically caused by the skin being scratched, scraped, or abraded against a rough surface. They are generally accidental in nature and are common occurrences in both adults and children. Grazes often result in minor bleeding, pain, and tenderness near the affected area. These wounds can be caused by various incidents such as falls, collisions, or contact with sharp or abrasive objects.
As a verb, grazes signify the action of causing or receiving a grazing injury. It refers to the act of scraping or abrading the skin, resulting in the formation of a graze. This can occur when the skin comes into contact with a rough object, for instance, grazing against a wall during a fall or scraping against a tree branch while walking through dense foliage.
Grazes can be treated with simple first-aid measures, such as cleaning the wound with mild antiseptic solutions, applying a bandage or dressing to protect it from infection and dirt, and regularly monitoring for signs of healing or complications. Proper care and cleaning are crucial to prevent infection, as the damaged skin barrier creates a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. Additionally, taking measures to minimize the risk of grazes, such as wearing protective clothing or using caution in situations prone to accidents, can help reduce the likelihood of sustaining such injuries.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "graze" originated from the Old English word "græsian", which meant "to eat grass". This Old English term is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "grasōną", which had the same meaning. Ultimately, the root of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European word "ghréh₂s", meaning "to grow". Over time, the meaning of "graze" expanded beyond eating grass and came to include the act of feeding on other low-lying plants or crops. Additionally, the term "graze" can also refer to the act of superficially scraping or injuring the skin, and this particular sense of the word emerged in the early 19th century.