Definitions:

1. In aerospace engineering, refers to the removal of material from the surface of an object due to intense heat. NOUN
   • Ablation shields are used in spacecrafts to protect them from the extreme heat generated during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.
2. In environmental science, refers to the process by which ice, snow, or glaciers are worn away, typically through melting, sublimation, or erosion. NOUN
   • The rapid ablation of the glacier has raised concerns about rising sea levels in the region.
3. In medicine, refers to the removal or destruction of abnormal or diseased tissue, often through surgical, chemical, or energy-based methods. NOUN
   • Ablation of the damaged tissue in the knee provided relief to the patient suffering from chronic pain.
4. Refers to the process of removing or destroying tissue or other material from the surface of an object. NOUN
   • The ablation process in the Arctic has accelerated due to climate change, leading to significant ice loss.

Synonyms:

• depletion
• erosion
• excision
• extirpation
• removal
• wearing away
• weathering