ABLATE

Set to 2 different clues across 2 published puzzles, most often “Wear away, as a metallic surface” — The New York Times, Thursday, 18 December 2008.

6 letters

Every clue on record, most used first

Wear away, as a metallic surfaceonce
The New York Times — Thursday, 18 December 2008
Remove by cuttingonce
The New York Times — Sunday, 13 April 2008