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

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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.
JetBlue is working closely with Airbus to proactively address corrosion on certain areas of some A220 aircraft. — Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2025 Why Are Rare Earth Minerals So Important? Rare earth minerals, a blanket term for 17 metallic elements found in the earth's crust, possess unique properties such as magnetic capabilities, electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. — Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 But previous attempts have generally used ionic liquid electrolytes, which can lead to anode corrosion, especially in humid conditions. — IEEE Spectrum, 5 Feb. 2025 These include the software woes that kept the spacecraft from reaching the space station on the 2019 test flight and the use of valves in the ship's service module that were susceptible to corrosion. — Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025 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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corrosion
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Cite this Entry

“Corrosion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corrosion. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of corrosion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about corrosion

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