corrosion

noun

cor·​ro·​sion kə-ˈrō-zhən 

1

: the action, process, or effect of corroding

2

: a product of corroding

Synonyms of corrosion

• erosion

Examples of corrosion in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Excess moisture left in the vents can lead to damage to the electronics, rust ,and corrosion. —Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026

There were issues with intake manifold leaks, exhaust manifold cracking, coolant leaks, engine misfires due to corrosion, and water in the spark plug holes. —John Paul, The Providence Journal, 9 Jan. 2026

These items contain small but valuable amounts of precious metals, including gold (Au) and palladium (Pd) which are widely used for their excellent conductivity, stability and corrosion resistance. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026

Battery corrosion was found at substations in Santa Clara, Cupertino, Morgan Hill, Millbrae and San Francisco. —Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

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