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

If that tech notes signs of long-term wear, corrosion or a prior bad repair, the company classifies the claim as preexisting and denies it. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 17 July 2026

The two partners also aim to create fusion-grade FLiBe to reduce corrosion and material activation during long-term reactor operation. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026

Over the years, Fallingwater has been experiencing water leaking into its interiors and has seen cracks, rust, and corrosion begin to form across some structures. — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026

At least nine other areas of visible corrosion were identified, according to a county inspection, and inspectors documented additional areas where damage could exist beneath the surface. — Sacbee.com, 14 July 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