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

Copper provides strong resistance against chemical corrosion from surrounding groundwater. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is also quite rugged, as its titanium casing is corrosion-resistant. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

This corrosion prevention can also be used on other metal objects that are exposed to rain nd moisture to protect the metal from rust and premature wear. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

Most systems gradually lose efficiency over 15 to 20 years, and routine mechanical breakdowns, corrosion, rust and deferred maintenance are almost always excluded. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 30 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