noun
corrosion
kuh-ROH-zhuhn
noun
1
The gradual wearing away of a material, especially metal, through chemical reaction such as rusting.
"Regular painting helps prevent corrosion on the ship's hull."
2
The gradual weakening or destruction of something over time.
"The scandal led to a corrosion of public trust."
How to Use Corrosion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDamage caused by a slow chemical process like rust, or a figurative slow breakdown of something.
Common pairings
prevent corrosion
rust and corrosion
corrosion of trust
Word Forms
corrosions plural
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Etymology
From Old French corrosion, from Latin corrodere, "to gnaw away" — from com- ("thoroughly") plus rodere, "to gnaw".