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corrosive
adjective
cor·ro·sive
kə-ˈrō-siv
-ziv
1
: tending or having the power to corrode
corrosive acids
corrosive action
the corrosive effects of alcoholism
2
: bitingly sarcastic
corrosive satire
corrosive
noun
corrosively
adverb
corrosiveness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of corrosive in a Sentence
She argues that racism is dangerous and corrosive to society.
a corrosive satire on the fashion industry and its movers and shakers
Recent Examples on the Web
The chemicals used in capture are corrosive, requiring equipment made of expensive special steels.
—Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Use this method infrequently because vinegar is corrosive.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2024
But a 1996 lawsuit, filed by a former MTA employee alleging he was fired for opposing a $65-million Eastside subway contract that would partially benefit Alatorre associates, proved more corrosive.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2024
Many times, the film highlights the corrosive effect of money and nostalgia.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English corrosif, borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin corrōsīvus, from Latin corrōsus, past participle of corrōdere "to gnaw, corrode" + -īvus -ive
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of corrosive was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing corrosive
Articles Related to corrosive
Dictionary Entries Near corrosive
Cite this Entry
“Corrosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corrosive. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
corrosive
adjective
cor·ro·sive
kə-ˈrō-siv
-ziv
: tending or having the power to corrode
corrosive acids
corrosive
noun
corrosively
adverb
corrosiveness
noun
Medical Definition
corrosive
1 of 2 adjective
cor·ro·sive
-ˈrō-siv, -ziv
: tending or having the power to corrode
corrosive acids
a corrosive gas
corrosiveness
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on corrosive
Nglish: Translation of corrosive for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of corrosive for Arabic Speakers
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