corrosive

adjective

cor·​ro·​sive kə-ˈrō-siv 

-ziv

1

: tending or having the power to corrode

corrosive acids

corrosive action

the corrosive effects of alcoholism

2

: bitingly sarcastic

corrosive satire

corrosive noun

corrosively adverb

corrosiveness noun

Synonyms

• acerb
• acerbic
• acid
• acidic
• acidulous
• acrid
• barbed
• biting
• caustic
• cutting
• mordant
• pungent
• sarcastic
• sardonic
• satiric
• satirical
• scalding
• scathing
• sharp
• smart-aleck
• smart-alecky
• smart-mouthed
• snarky
• tart

Examples of corrosive in a Sentence

She argues that racism is dangerous and corrosive to society.

a corrosive satire on the fashion industry and its movers and shakers

Recent Examples on the Web

Waterproof jackets elevate the amount of protection by being designed to withstand water and its corrosive effects altogether. —Olivia Avitt, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024

Heavier, more corrosive particulates are a more likely culprit, experts say. —Rich Schapiro, NBC News, 30 Mar. 2024

This corrosive treatment—as those like me, who have had the misfortune to endure its toxic blasts will know—is not for the faint-hearted. —Chloe Fox, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2024

The first is prices, as slow-moving vehicles need corrosive rebates and incentives before a customer will drive one off the lot, while fresher models in demand can command a premium. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2024

Video Ad Feedback 01:38 - Source: CNN In his ownership of X alone, Musk controls one of the world’s most important communications platforms, spitting corrosive venom into the public discourse at a faster speed than his SpaceX rockets hurtle into orbit. —Oliver Darcy, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024

That said, there are policies the West can implement on its own to keep more corrosive activities in check. —Elizabeth Buchanan, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2024

Hydrus AUVs are charged using induction to keep corrosive seawater from leaking in through charging ports. —IEEE Spectrum, 11 Mar. 2024

Over time, these cracks expand, allowing water and corrosive substances that weaken the concrete to penetrate further down. —Yaghoob Farnam, The Conversation, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English corrosif, borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin corrōsīvus, from Latin corrōsus, past participle of corrōdere "to gnaw, corrode" + -īvus -ive

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing corrosive

• corrosive sublimate

Kids Definition

corrosive

adjective

cor·​ro·​sive kə-ˈrō-siv 

-ziv

: tending or having the power to corrode

corrosive acids

corrosive noun

corrosively adverb

corrosiveness noun

Medical Definition

corrosive

1 of 2 adjective

cor·​ro·​sive -ˈrō-siv, -ziv 

: tending or having the power to corrode

corrosive acids

a corrosive gas

corrosiveness noun

corrosive

2 of 2 noun

: a substance that corrodes : caustic