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e·ro·sion

(ĭ-rōzhən)

1. The group of natural processes, including weathering, dissolution, abrasion, corrosion, and transportation, by which material is worn away from the earth's surface.

2. The superficial destruction of bodily tissue by friction, pressure, ulceration, or trauma.

3. The process of eroding or the condition of being eroded: erosion of confidence in the governor; erosion of the value of the dollar.

[Latin ērōsiō, ērōsiōn-, an eating away, from ērōsus, eaten away; see EROSE.]

e·rosion·al adj.

e·rosion·al·ly adv.

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erosion

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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