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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