erosive

adjective

ero·​sive i-ˈrō-siv How to pronounce erosive (audio)
-ziv
: tending to erode or to induce or permit erosion
also : caused or marked by erosion
erosive arthritis
erosiveness noun
erosivity noun

Examples of erosive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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 Advertisement Also part of the ICM plan is an artificial underwater reef built of rocks, cobble and sand in fabric containers just beyond the waves between the two headlands, to slow erosive forces and protect the beach. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for erosive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'erosive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of erosive was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near erosive

Cite this Entry

“Erosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erosive. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

erosive

adjective
ero·​sive i-ˈrō-siv How to pronounce erosive (audio)
-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 How to pronounce erosive (audio)
: tending to erode or to induce or permit erosion
erosive lesions
also : caused or marked by erosion
erosive osteoarthritis
erosive esophagitis
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