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

Over time, such pauses can cause corrosion and structural damage that needs to be repaired before operations can fully resume. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026

The weights didn’t show any signs of corrosion, according to the release, and authorities also found weights of the same size and style in Daniels’ boat. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026

The acid rain can also be corrosive, depending on the concentration, and accelerate the corrosion that buildings in Tehran face regularly due to the poor air quality, Driscoll said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026

Appliance perks like rust/corrosion coverage. —Alora Bopray, USA Today, 9 Mar. 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