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 rest of the car also received a thorough going-over, including a rebuilt front axle, repairs to address corrosion and electrical issues, and a new exhaust system. — Stephen Edelstein, The Drive, 31 Oct. 2026

Modern-day cities add chemicals to their water to try to prevent lead-pipe corrosion, but that is an imperfect fix. — Richard Day, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

The research team limited this damage after identifying the exact chemical mechanism driving the corrosion. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026

In a separate project, researchers at the University of Hong Kong developed a highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel alloy, dubbed SS-H2, to help overcome this problem. — New Atlas, 24 Oct. 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