Meaning of attrition in English

1. Pronunciation

   /əˈtrɪʃ(ə)n/

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1. Noun

   attrition

   Etymology

   late Middle English (in attrition (sense 2)): from late Latin attritio(n-), from atterere‘to rub’

   Definitions

   1. erosion by friction
2. 2. the wearing down of rock particles by friction due to water or wind or ice
3. 3. sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation
4. 4. a wearing down to weaken or destroy

   Examples

   • « a war of attrition »
5. 5. the act of rubbing together

   Examples

   • « wearing something down by friction »