noun.
In geology, the solution and removal of rocks, usually in water; the eating away by fusion and absorption of a solid mass of rock or of a mineral which is inclosed in a molten magma.
noun.
Literally, the act or process of eating or gnawing away; hence, the process of wearing away, disintegrating, or destroying by the gradual separation of small parts or particles, especially by the action of chemical agents, as acids: often used figuratively of the destructive influence of care, grief, time, etc.