'Erosion' definitions:

Definition of 'erosion'

From: WordNet
noun
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it) [syn: erosion, eroding, eating away, wearing, wearing away]
noun
Condition in which the earth's surface is worn away by the action of water and wind
noun
A gradual decline of something; "after the accounting scandal there was an erosion of confidence in the auditors"
noun
Erosion by chemical action [syn: corrosion, corroding, erosion]

Definition of 'Erosion'

From: GCIDE
  • Erosion \E*ro"sion\, 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]