corrosion

noun

cor·​ro·​sion kə-ˈrō-zhən 

1

: the action, process, or effect of corroding

2

: a product of corroding

Synonyms

• 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

Rust or corrosion on the body and inside electrical connectors. —Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025

The existing pipeline was installed in the 1970s and is being replaced by plastic pipes that a Duke Energy spokesperson said are more resistant to corrosion. —Gillian Stawiszynski, The Enquirer, 13 Aug. 2025

That's because rust is caused by corrosion that forms when iron is mixed with oxygen and water over a period of time. —Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025

Look for laptop stands made of alloys that are easy to clean and resist corrosion and pitting. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 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