ATTRITION


Meaning of ATTRITION in English

— attritional , adj. — attritive /euh truy"tiv/ , adj.

/euh trish"euhn/ , n.

1. a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength: Our club has had a high rate of attrition because so many members have moved away.

2. a wearing down or weakening of resistance, esp. as a result of continuous pressure or harassment: The enemy surrounded the town and conducted a war of attrition.

3. a gradual reduction in work force without firing of personnel, as when workers resign or retire and are not replaced.

4. the act of rubbing against something; friction.

5. a wearing down or away by friction; abrasion.

6. Theol. imperfect contrition. See under contrition (def. 2).

[ 1325-75; ME attrition- (s. of attritio ) friction. See ATTRITE, -ION ]

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .