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

The corrosion likely accumulated over time as the plane was continuously exposed to salt air and marine climates, with it being primarily based in first Barbados and then Fort Lauderdale. —Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026

However, half a dozen sources who worked on or near the Lunar Gateway program confirmed to Ars that the corrosion Isaacman mentioned was real and serious. —ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026

As a result of this crash, methods to detect corrosion were prioritized in the troubleshooting for hung starts. —Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026

According to Maryland's lawsuit, DC Water was aware that the Potomac Interceptor — a 1960s-era pipe — showed signs of corrosion. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 21 Apr. 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