erosion
erosion Lexical Profile
erosion Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The gradual wearing away and removal of soil, rock, or land surface by natural agents such as wind, water, or ice.
"Planting native grasses along the riverbank helped prevent severe soil erosion during the rainy season."
The gradual decline, destruction, or undermining of something abstract, such as authority, confidence, rights, or values.
"Economists warned that persistent inflation would lead to a steady erosion of household purchasing power."
The superficial destruction of a surface tissue, such as skin, mucous membrane, or tooth enamel, by inflammation, trauma, or chemical action.
"Frequent consumption of acidic beverages is a leading cause of dental enamel erosion."
Word Nuance & Usage
In geology, 'erosion' is distinct from 'weathering': weathering is the breakdown of rock in place, whereas erosion involves the movement and transport of the loosened material by wind, water, or ice.
• Rhymes for erosion
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French érosion, from Latin ērōsiōnem ('a gnawing away'), derived from ērōdere, combining ex- ('away') and rōdere ('to gnaw').