Attrition
Attrition (Medicine)
Attrition (pronounced: /əˈtrɪʃ(ə)n/) is a term used in the field of medicine to describe the natural loss or wear and tear of a part of the body, typically referring to the teeth. The term is derived from the Latin word 'attritio', which means 'rubbing away'.
Etymology
The term 'attrition' comes from the Latin 'attritio', which is derived from the verb 'atterere', meaning 'to rub against'. The term was first used in English in the 15th century to describe a spiritual or moral wearing down, but its medical usage, referring to physical wear and tear, began in the 19th century.
Related Terms
- Abrasion: A type of injury caused by superficial damage to the skin.
- Erosion: The loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack.
- Bruxism: The habit of grinding the teeth, typically during sleep, which can cause attrition.
- Dentistry: The field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
See Also
References
- Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing. (2012). Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary.
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary. (2006). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Attrition
- Wikipedia's article - Attrition
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