attrition


attrition (http://definr.com/attrition)

     n 1: erosion by friction [syn: abrasion, corrasion, detrition]
     2: the wearing down of rock particles by friction due to water
        or wind or ice [syn: grinding, abrasion, detrition]
     3: sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation [syn: contrition,
         contriteness]
     4: a wearing down to weaken or destroy; "a war of attrition"
     5: the act of rubbing together; wearing something down by
        friction