研磨

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 研磨 is read けんま and means grinding or polishing a surface, or refining an edge.
• Basic usage: It is used for bringing out a stone's shine or describing skill in sharpening a blade.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Register compared with 磨く
  • 磨く(みがく) is also a broad everyday word for cleaning or polishing. 研磨 suits technical descriptions of working a surface such as stone or metal.