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| erosion [ i rṓ'n ] |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. gradual breaking down: the gradual destruction or reduction and weakening of something
 The erosion of profits was due to careless management.
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2. wearing away of rock: the gradual wearing away of rock or soil by physical breakdown, chemical solution, and transportation of material, as caused, e.g. by water, wind, or ice
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3. dentistry loss of tooth enamel: loss of tooth enamel caused by excessive intake of acidic citrus juices or through repeated contact with stomach acid, as in bulimia
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4. medicine wearing away of tissue: the wearing away of surface tissue by disease, ulceration, cancer, or the chemical processes associated with inflammation
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| [Mid-16th century. < French érosion< Latin eros-, past participle of erodere (see erode)] |
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| erosional adjective |
| erosionally adverb |
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