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

Notoriously hard to work not least due to its 3,000-degree Celsius melting point, the hyper-dense and corrosion-resistant metal was left untreated. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 May 2026

The knife is also made of SG2 steel, a high-carbon stainless steel that is susceptible to rust and corrosion. —Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026

The company also covers rust and corrosion damage, which is common in Florida’s humid coastal climate and sometimes excluded by other providers. —Sharon Wu, USA Today, 1 May 2026

Some had been there so long that corrosion was destroying them. —Los Angeles Times, 1 May 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