corrosion

noun

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

Examples of corrosion in a Sentence

the corrosion of family values that is often brought on by great wealth
Recent Examples on the Web Typically, a battered train will arrive at the shop bearing the scars and corrosion earned through thousands of hard miles across the busy, 119-year-old system. David Waldstein, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 This material's exceptional resistance to corrosion, especially against the relentless embrace of seawater, positions it as an ideal candidate for a diver's watch, where durability is paramount. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 During frigid temperatures, battery posts and cable connections with clean corrosion ensure a reliable start. Coral Murphy Marcos, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 Lead levels in drinking water have declined significantly with the service line replacements and with the addition of orthophosphate, a food-grade additive that can protect pipes from corrosion, to the water. Jen Christensen, CNN, 20 Feb. 2024 Once the chromium oxide barrier is breached, corrosion takes hold. Carlton Reid, WIRED, 16 Feb. 2024 Most of the cookie scoops on our list are made from 18/8 stainless steel, a very high quality steel that fights corrosion and is dishwasher safe. Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2024 The tools are stainless steel and resistant to rust and corrosion, and the tool bag is made of durable polyester. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 Chromium, one of the elements found in stainless steel, is responsible for its notably higher rust and corrosion resistance. Popular Science, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'corrosion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near corrosion

Cite this Entry

“Corrosion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corrosion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 arteriosclerosisJournal 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

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