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 God2: the act of rubbing together : friction ; also : the act of wearing or grinding down by friction3: 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

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