(n)(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it), Syn.wearing, wearing away, eating away, eroding
n. [ L. erosio. See Erode. ] 1. The act or operation of eroding or eating away. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The state of being eaten away; corrosion; canker. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. The wearing away of the earth's surface by any natural process. The chief agent of erosion is running water; minor agents are glaciers, the wind, and waves breaking against the coast. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
4. a gradual reduction or lessening as if by an erosive force; as, erosion of political support due to scandal; erosion of buying power by inflation. [ fig. ] [ PJC ]