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

Add-ons can include roadside assistance, trip interruption protection, rust and corrosion coverage and repairs to emission systems. —Brian Sloan, CNBC, 31 July 2025

Steel reinforcement was missing or misplaced and eaten away by corrosion. —Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025

Trending Video Margot Robbie Takes You Inside The Barbie Dreamhouse This method helped increase the value, protect it against corrosion, and improve the pieces’ appearance by allowing Christofle the ability to add a coat of pure silver to nickel or copper pieces. —Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2025

Moisture can cause corrosion over time, and cutting wet grass can put a strain on your lawn mower’s engine and blades. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 July 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