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

Like all of the refreshed models, the Max benefits from Rad's Safe Shield semi-integrated battery – where the cells are enclosed in heat-absorbing resin to protect against corrosion and overheating. —New Atlas, 3 May 2025

After corrosion issues sidelined many of its trains last month, Amtrak Cascades resumed some of its operations by reallocating train cars from other regions. —Axios Portland, Axios, 3 Apr. 2025

But Citizen spent decades perfecting its approach to the corrosion resistant, light-weight material. —Roberta Naas, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Aluminum anchors have good corrosion resistance, but they are easily damaged. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 1 May 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