erosive

adjective

ero·​sive i-ˈrō-siv 

-ziv

: tending to erode or to induce or permit erosion

also : caused or marked by erosion

erosive arthritis

erosiveness noun

erosivity

i-ˌrō-ˈsi-və-tē 

noun

Examples of erosive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our research across 3,000 teams shows that conflict avoidance is one of the most erosive elements holding teams back. —Keith Ferrazzi, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

The great-flood faction contended that the erosive effects of so much draining water could help explain how coasts and mountains and river valleys formed. —Brooke Jarvis, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024

But maybe the California climate is especially erosive. —Jack King, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2024

The design firm’s concept also includes the construction of an artificial underwater reef in the ocean beyond the headlands to slow the approach of erosive waves. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

erosive

adjective

ero·​sive i-ˈrō-siv 

-ziv

: tending to erode or to bring about or permit erosion

the erosive effect of water

erosiveness noun

Medical Definition

erosive

adjective

ero·​sive i-ˈrō-siv, -ziv 

: tending to erode or to induce or permit erosion

erosive lesions

also : caused or marked by erosion

erosive osteoarthritis

erosive esophagitis