erosion meaning and definition

EROSION noun

Definition of erosion (noun)

1. (geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
   • synonyms: eating away, eroding, wearing, wearing away
2. condition in which the earth's surface is worn away by the action of water and wind
3. a gradual decline of something
   • "after the accounting scandal there was an erosion of confidence in the auditors"
4. erosion by chemical action
   • synonyms: corroding, corrosion