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

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

As required by the Lead and Copper Rule, the Philadelphia Water Department’s treatment includes corrosion control that forms a protective coating on the inside of pipes. — Christine Kirchhoff, The Conversation, 30 July 2026

The stove is made from stainless steel, a durable, heat- and corrosion-resistant material often used in outdoor equipment. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 24 July 2026

Tech firms are now addressing this blind spot, deploying AI to analyze vast backlogs of inspection photos and notes, identifying defects like corrosion. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 23 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