corrosion

noun

cor·ro·sion kə-ˈrō-zhən

Synonyms of corrosion next

: the action, process, or effect of corroding

: a product of corroding

Examples of corrosion in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web In two separate crashes in 1989 and 2001, the actuator barrel failed due to corrosion, which is a common problem for planes that land on saltwater. —

Dominic Gates, Anchorage Daily News, 6 Sep. 2023 After that mission ended and the Dragon capsule returned to Earth, SpaceX took a look at the problematic valve and found evidence of corrosion after sending parts of it for testing. —

Loren Grush, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2023 Inspect your burners for signs of corrosion or anything blocking the row of flame-emitting holes. —

Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, 27 July 2023 They are usually constructed of durable metal or aluminum that is resistant to rust and corrosion. —

Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2023 Read full article The site experienced flood and water damage in 2021 from hurricanes Henri and Ida, leading to the corrosion of its foundation and frame, according to Markey’s office and Revolutionary Spaces. —

Maeve Lawler, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Aug. 2023 Hao’s fiction tended to explore imperfect protagonists, abuse of power and the moral corrosion of city life. —

Han Zhang, New York Times, 3 Aug. 2023 The grates covering those burners are crafted from sturdy porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates resistant to rust and corrosion. —

Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 24 July 2023 Oxidation can cause unfinished copper to take on a striking blue-green hue, which helps protect the metal from further corrosion. —

Julianne Hilmes Bartlett, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'corrosion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of corrosion was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Corrosion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corrosion. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.

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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

: the action, process, or effect of corroding

arterial corrosion that characterizes arteriosclerosis—

Journal of the American Medical Association

: 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