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

These sensors identify signals from induction responses, magnetic flux leakage, stress, corrosion and operational currents. — Alex Krasnok, Scientific American, 25 June 2026

The plan also covers HVAC failures caused by rust, corrosion or lack of maintenance — conditions many competitors exclude. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 25 June 2026

The National Institute of Standards and Technology said long-term corrosion and the failure of multiple slab-to-column connections likely contributed to a progressive collapse after weeks of structural deterioration. — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 24 June 2026

The building had long-term degradation from corrosion, too. — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 23 June 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