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

Clear any corrosion from battery points and cable connections. —Amanda McCoy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 2026

It's built using Gr5 titanium, a lightweight yet high-strength and corrosion-resistant metal – the perfect combination for a toolkit worn on your hand. —New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2026

Rusty, smelly, or leaking water signals corrosion or internal damage. —Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 28 Jan. 2026

Deck stewards regularly spray down the decks to keep them clean and prevent salt corrosion. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 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