The term 'ATE INTO' can be broken down into three separate words: ERODED (6 letters), PECKED (6 letters), and WORE (4 letters). ERODED is a verb that means to gradually wear away or cause damage to something over time. PECKED is also a verb that means to strike or tap something with a sharp object. Lastly, WORE is a verb that means to have something on one's body as clothing or ornamentation. Together, these three words describe the action of eating into something, which is the process of gradually consuming or damaging something over time.