attrite

[ uh-trahyt ]

adjective

1. Also attrited. worn by rubbing or attrition.

verb (used with object)

, at·trit·ed, at·trit·ing.

1. to make smaller by attrition.

Other Words From

• at·trite·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of attrite¹

1615–25; < Latin attrītus rubbed against, rubbed away, worn away (past participle of atterere ), equivalent to at- at- + trī- (variant stem of terere to rub) + -tus past participle suffix