Main Entry: at·tri·tion

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈtri-shən, a-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin attrition-, attritio, from atterere to rub against, from ad- + terere to rub — more at throw

Date: 14th century

1 [Middle English attricioun, from Medieval Latin attrition-, attritio, from Latin] : sorrow for one's sins that arises from a motive other than that of the love of God
2 : the act of rubbing together : friction; also : the act of wearing or grinding down by friction
3 : the act of weakening or exhausting by constant harassment, abuse, or attack <a war of attrition>
4 : a reduction in numbers usually as a result of resignation, retirement, or death <a company with a high rate of attrition>

— at·tri·tion·al \-ˈtri-sh(ə-)n^əl\ adjective