erosive
UK: ɪˈrəʊsɪv | US: ɪˈroʊsɪv
adj. causing gradual wear or destruction by chemical or physical action
adj. (geology) relating to the process of erosion
The word "erosive" stems from the Latin root eros- (from erodere, meaning "to gnaw away"), combined with the English adjectival suffix -ive. The Latin erodere itself breaks down into e- (out) + rodere (to gnaw), vividly depicting the gradual wearing away of material. Over time, "erosive" evolved to describe processes like chemical corrosion or geological erosion, retaining the core idea of slow, destructive action.
Acid rain has an erosive effect on limestone structures.
The river's erosive power carved deep canyons over millennia.
Dentists warn that sugary drinks are erosive to tooth enamel.
Wind and water are the primary erosive forces in deserts.
The study measured the erosive potential of different coastal waves.