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

In a separate project, researchers at the University of Hong Kong developed a highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel alloy, dubbed SS-H2, to help overcome this problem. — New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026

Some planes in desert facilities — selected because the arid climate can preserve the aircraft better and avoid corrosion — can sit for decades. — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026

However, the tests did not establish that the system could reliably identify actual corrosion or cracks in operating nuclear fuel storage canisters. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Fisker Automotive said that an internal investigation supervised by transportation regulators found salt corrosion had caused a short circuit in the battery, leading to the fire, rather than a preexisting defect. — Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 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