Erosion \E*ro"sion\, n. [L. erosio. See {Erode}.]
   1. The act or operation of eroding or eating away.
      
[1913 Webster]


   2. The state of being eaten away; corrosion; canker.
      
[1913 Webster]


   3. The wearing away of the earth's surface by any natural
      process. The chief agent of erosion is running water;
      minor agents are glaciers, the wind, and waves breaking
      against the coast.
      [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

   4. a gradual reduction or lessening as if by an erosive
      force; as, erosion of political support due to scandal;
      erosion of buying power by inflation. [fig.]
      [PJC]