detrition

[ dih-trish-uhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act of wearing away by rubbing.

detrition

/ dɪˈtrɪʃən /

noun

the act of rubbing or wearing away by friction

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Word History and Origins

Origin of detrition¹

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of detrition¹

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

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Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Nowadays it has become the custom to place these slabs upright against the walls, thus preventing further detrition.

From Project Gutenberg

detrimental detritivore

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