Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Definition of Erosion

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Erosion: An erosion is an eating away of a surface. ("Erodere" in Latin means to eat out.)

For example, a skin erosion is a loss of part or all of the epidermis (the outer layer) leaving a denuded surface.

For another example, tooth erosion is a gradual loss of the normally hard surface of the tooth because of chemical processes.