At'ter-āte or At'ter-rāte, v. t.

[L. Lat. atterare, atterrare, aterrare, to carry earth to another place, to carry or add earth to a shore; from Lat. ad and terra, earth, land.]

1. To wear away, as earth by the action of water. Hence,
2. To form by the wearing and transporting action of water.