corrosion

noun

cor·​ro·​sion kə-ˈrō-zhən 

1

: the action, process, or effect of corroding

2

: a product of corroding

Synonyms

• attrition
• erosion
• undermining
• waste

Examples of corrosion in a Sentence

the corrosion of family values that is often brought on by great wealth

Recent Examples on the Web

Further corrosion comes from the protons, which create highly acidic hot spots. —science.org, 23 Jan. 2025

Officials said corrosion and decay were to blame for the leaks. —Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025

When brake calipers are not used regularly, corrosion can cause the calipers to stick. —Mark Maynard, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025

How Rust Forms Rust is a type of corrosion that occurs on metal surfaces when iron (or iron-containing metals like steel) reacts with water and oxygen. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English corrosioun, borrowed from Late Latin corrōsiōn-, corrōsiō "act of gnawing," from Latin corrōdere "to gnaw, chew up" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at corrode

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for corrosion

• erosion
• explosion
• implosion

Kids Definition

corrosion

noun

cor·​ro·​sion kə-ˈrō-zhən 

: the action, process, or effect of corroding

Medical Definition

corrosion

noun

cor·​ro·​sion kə-ˈrō-zhən 

1

: the action, process, or effect of corroding

arterial corrosion that characterizes arteriosclerosis

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

2

: a study specimen of an organ or other structure prepared by injection of hollow parts (as blood vessels) with a plastic and subsequent removal of the surrounding tissue by corrosion