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

That artifact, moved into the attraction in 2012, also has conservation underway, fending off corrosion. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2025

This latest restoration will include the removal of the paint, corrosion, cleaning of the sculpture, application of a new black patina and a protective wax coating, the release said. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025

The threat of water One threat to these storage methods is corrosion. —Gerald Frankel, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025

Protect Your Lawn Mower A coating of WD-40 will protect your lawn mower parts from rusting and corrosion. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 25 May 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