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

The catch-up maintenance relied on a track-grinding machine that smooths away rail burn and corrosion. —Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 14 Apr. 2025

This buildup can act as a catalyst for corrosion, especially when combined with moisture and heat within the dishwasher, leading to rust development on metal items like your knives. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2025

Five different sensors are able to analyze different stats such as the salts' surface tension and fluid density as well as monitor the level of corrosion in the system and the amount of heat transfer at any one point. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 2 Apr. 2025

The humidity level between the shells is kept below 40 percent to prevent corrosion. —Kim Barker, New York Times, 25 Mar. 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