Erosion
/ɪˈroʊ.ʒən/noun
The process by which natural forces remove soil and rock from one location and transport it to another.
Did you know?In ancient times, erosion was believed to be the work of divine forces reshaping the landscape, hinting at the Earth's restless spirit.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*er-
“to move, wander, or be away from.”
Latin
Latin
erosio
“a gnawing away, a wearing down.”
Old French
Old French
erosion
“the act of eroding or wearing away.”
Late Middle English
Middle English
erosion
“the process of erosion, influenced by Latin.”
Modern English
English
erosion
“the gradual reduction or removal of land by wind, water, or other natural agents.”