attrition Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun erosion by friction
    abrasion; detrition; corrasion.
  2. noun the wearing down of rock particles by friction due to water or wind or ice
    abrasion; detrition; grinding.
  3. noun sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation
    contriteness; contrition.
  4. noun a wearing down to weaken or destroy
    • a war of attrition
  5. noun the act of rubbing together; wearing something down by friction

WordNet

At*tri"tion noun
Etymology
L. attritio: cf. F. attrition.
Definitions
  1. The act of rubbing together; friction; the act of wearing by friction, or by rubbing substances together; abrasion.
    Effected by attrition of the inward stomach. Arbuthnot.
  2. The state of being worn. Johnson.
  3. (Theol.) Grief for sin arising only from fear of punishment or feelings of shame. See Contrition. Wallis.

Webster 1913