What describes the damaging wear on rope and other equipment caused by rubbing against a brace of material?

The term that accurately describes the damaging wear on rope and other equipment caused by rubbing against a surface is "Abrasion." This term specifically refers to the process by which materials become worn down due to friction caused by contact with other objects. In the context of rope rescue operations, abrasion can significantly compromise the integrity and safety of equipment, making it critical to recognize and mitigate its effects during use.

While the other terms may imply damage or wearing down of materials, they do not specifically capture the essence of damage resulting directly from the act of rubbing or friction. For instance, cutting refers to separating materials, wear and tear addresses general degradation over time, and friction burn generally concerns skin or soft tissue injuries rather than the wear on inanimate objects like ropes or gear. Thus, "Abrasion" is the most precise term for describing the damage due to this specific type of mechanical wear.