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

Our work was industrially focused, including water and wastewater, power utilities, commercial fireproofing, FDOT, marine industries and, in general, corrosion protection of steel and concrete structures. — Marci Woodward, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Rinse off the knife as soon as you are done to avoid corrosion. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

Let the vinegar solution sit for three to five minutes to begin lifting grease; use a shorter dwell time (less than a minute) on sensitive materials, such as stainless steel, to avoid corrosion. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026

The Boeing mold uses mild steel for internal strength and stainless steel at the surface for durability and corrosion resistance. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 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