Main Entry: cor·rode

Pronunciation: \kə-ˈrōd\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): cor·rod·ed; cor·rod·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin corrodere to gnaw to pieces, from com- + rodere to gnaw — more at rodent

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to eat away by degrees as if by gnawing; especially : to wear away gradually usually by chemical action <the metal was corroded beyond repair>
2 : to weaken or destroy gradually : undermine <manners and miserliness that corrode the human spirit — Bernard De Voto>intransitive verb : to undergo corrosion

— cor·rod·ible \-ˈrō-də-bəl\ adjective