corrosion

noun

cor·​ro·​sion kə-ˈrō-zhən How to pronounce corrosion (audio)
Synonyms of corrosionnext
1
: the action, process, or effect of corroding
2
: a product of corroding

Synonyms of corrosion

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Examples of corrosion in a Sentence

the corrosion of family values that is often brought on by great wealth
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, its energy consumption, exposure to corrosion, and use of dangerous voltage limit its current practicality. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026 The second number tells you whether or not the alloy also has 10% nickel—which can make stainless steel shinier and more corrosion resistant. — Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2026 Components such as porous meshes and foams must be manufactured at scale, incorporated into working systems, and shown to maintain their unusual corrosion resistance over long operating periods. — New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 The standard explanation for why rain causes corrosion is that water carries dissolved salts and acids to a surface, constant drumming of raindrops abrades whatever protective coating is on it, and oxygen does the rest. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for corrosion

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of corrosion was in the 14th century

Rhymes for corrosion

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Browse Nearby Words

corrosible
corrosion
corrosional
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Cite this Entry

“Corrosion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corrosion. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

corrosion

noun
cor·​ro·​sion kə-ˈrō-zhən How to pronounce corrosion (audio)
: the action, process, or effect of corroding

Medical Definition

corrosion

noun
cor·​ro·​sion kə-ˈrō-zhən How to pronounce corrosion (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on corrosion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about corrosion

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