| erosion | 1. An eating away, destruction of the surface of a tissue, material or structure. 2. Progressive loss of the hard substance of a tooth by chemical processes that do not involve bacterial action. See: abrasion. 3. A gradual breakdown or very shallow ulceration of the skin which involves only the epidermis and heals without scarring. Origin: L. Erosio, from erodere = to eat out (18 Nov 1997) |
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