detrition

[ dih-trish-uh n ]
/ dɪˈtrɪʃ ən /

noun

the act of wearing away by rubbing.

Origin of detrition

1665–75; < Medieval Latin dētrītiōn- (stem of dētrītiō), equivalent to Latin dētrīt(us) (past participle of dēterere; see detritus) + -iōn- -ion

Words nearby detrition

detractive, detrain, detribalize, detriment, detrimental, detrition, detritivore, detritovore, detritus, detroit, detrude

Example sentences from the Web for detrition

  • The "Hole" has been made by the detrition and washing out of the shale and the fall of the overlying rock.

    The Falls of Niagara and Other Famous Cataracts |George W. Holley

  • Another is the constant repetition of certain words and phrases which have lost their meaning by detrition and are known to all.

    American Sketches |Charles Whibley

British Dictionary definitions for detrition

detrition
/ (dɪˈtrɪʃən) /

noun

the act of rubbing or wearing away by friction

Word Origin for detrition

C17: from Medieval Latin dētrītiō, from Latin dētrītus worn away; see detriment

Medical definitions for detrition

detrition
[ dĭ-trĭsh′ən ]

n.

The act of wearing away by friction.