The act of scraping, rubbing, or wearing away of a surface through friction or erosion.
From Latin 'deterere' (to rub away), combining 'de-' (away) and 'terere' (to rub or wear). The suffix '-ation' forms the noun, referring to the process of wearing away material over time.
This word is rarely used today, but it perfectly describes what glaciers do to mountains—they literally 'rub away' the rock as they move, creating valleys. Geologists might say a glacier's motion involves significant deterration!
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