corrosion

noun

cor·​ro·​sion kə-ˈrō-zhən 

1

: the action, process, or effect of corroding

2

: a product of corroding

Synonyms

• attrition
• erosion
• undermining
• waste

Examples of corrosion in a Sentence

the corrosion of family values that is often brought on by great wealth

Recent Examples on the Web

Most will be zinc galvanized to protect against corrosion. —Clark Hodgin, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Due to the plant’s age, Palisades steam generator tubes are made of an alloy that the industry has since learned is prone to corrosion cracking, according to NRC. —Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025

Crews are currently repairing the concrete pier columns to protect the steel internal frame from corrosion — work that will continue for another two years. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025

JetBlue is working closely with Airbus to proactively address corrosion on certain areas of some A220 aircraft. —Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 11 Mar. 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