The removal or wearing away of something, especially the outer layer of a spacecraft as it heats during reentry into Earth's atmosphere.
From Latin 'ablatus' (carried away), past participle of 'auferre' (to take away). The word entered English in the 17th century, initially used in geology and astronomy, and gained prominence in the 20th century with space exploration.
Spacecraft designers rely on ablation to protect astronauts—specially designed heat shields literally melt away layer by layer, carrying dangerous heat into space. It's controlled destruction that saves lives!
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