ə̇ˈrōzhən, ēˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin erosion-, erosio, from erosus (past participle of erodere to erode) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at erode
1.
a.
(1) : the superficial destruction of a surface area of tissue (as mucous membrane) by inflammation, ulceration, or trauma
erosion of the uterine cervix
gizzard erosion in chicks
(2) : progressive loss of the hard substance of a tooth
b. : corrosion 1a
2.
a. : the general process whereby materials of the earth's crust are worn away and removed by natural agencies including weathering, solution, corrasion, and transportation ; specifically : land destruction and simultaneous removal of particles (as of soil) by running water, waves and currents, moving ice, or wind
stream erosion
glacial erosion
— compare denudation
b. : surface destruction of a metal or refractory material effected by the abrasive or the corrosive and abrasive action of a moving liquid or gas and often accelerated by solid particles in suspension
range errors due to gun erosion
severe erosion of the furnace lining caused by the scouring motion of molten slag
c. : even disintegration of a paint surface caused by chalking and washing away
3. : an instance or product of erosion
a circular erosion on the skin half an inch in diameter
a canyon with red tower-shaped erosions
4. : progressive impairment or destruction as if by eating or wearing away (as of resources, strength, or effectiveness) : depletion , deterioration
erosion of real earnings by inflation
the great ideals of liberty and equality are preserved against … the erosion of small encroachments — B.N.Cardozo