corrosion

noun

cor·​ro·​sion kə-ˈrō-zhən How to pronounce corrosion (audio)
1
: the action, process, or effect of corroding
2
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Iridium is prized for its exceptional hardness and remarkable corrosion resistance, even at very high temperatures. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025 Dry immediately to prevent water spots or corrosion. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025 Some of her concerns exist because the pipeline sits in the open water of the Great Lakes and has been damaged multiple times by ship’s anchors, is subject to corrosion, and has been found to be bent and deformed by the extremely powerful currents in the Straits of Mackinac. Mike Shriberg, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2025 The bracelet combines the lightweight metal with high-tech bulk metallic glass, an alloy of 50 percent palladium and other metals that’s highly resistant to corrosion and wear. Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for corrosion

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

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Cite this Entry

“Corrosion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corrosion. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

corrosion

noun
cor·​ro·​sion kə-ˈrō-zhən How to pronounce corrosion (audio)
: the action, process, or effect of corroding

Medical Definition

corrosion

noun
cor·​ro·​sion kə-ˈrō-zhən How to pronounce corrosion (audio)
1
: the action, process, or effect of corroding
arterial corrosion that characterizes arteriosclerosisThe 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

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