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attrite

 - 2 dictionary results

at⋅trite

  [uh-trahyt] adjective, verb, -trit⋅ed, -trit⋅ing.
Use attrite in a Sentence
–adjective
1. Also, at⋅trit⋅ed. worn by rubbing or attrition.
–verb (used with object)
2. to make smaller by attrition.
Origin:
1615–25; < L attrītus rubbed against, rubbed away, worn away (ptp. of atterere), equiv. to at- at- + trī- (var. s. of terere to rub) + -tus ptp. suffix

Related forms:
at⋅trite⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To attrite
at·trit   (ə-trĭt')   
tr.v.   at·trit·ted also at·trit·ed, at·trit·ting also at·trit·ing, at·trits also at·trites

  1. To lose (personnel, for example) by attrition.

  2. To destroy or kill (troops, for example) by use of firepower: "Pro-active counterattacks are a useful way to attrit the enemy" (John H. Cushman, Jr.)


[Back-formation from attrition.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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