corrosion

[ kuh-roh-zhuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of corroding; condition of being corroded.
2. a product of corroding, as rust.

corrosion

/ kəˈrəʊʒən /

noun

1. a process in which a solid, esp a metal, is eaten away and changed by a chemical action, as in the oxidation of iron in the presence of water by an electrolytic process
2. slow deterioration by being eaten or worn away
3. the condition produced by or the product of corrosion

corrosion

/ kə-rō′zhən /

1. The breaking down or destruction of a material, especially a metal, through chemical reactions. The most common form of corrosion is rusting, which occurs when iron combines with oxygen and water.

Other Words From

• cor·rosion·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of corrosion¹

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Late Latin corrōsiōn- (stem of corrōsiō ) a gnawing away, equivalent to Latin corrōs ( us ), past participle of corrōdere to corrode + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Most seriously, the water did not receive corrosion control, as required by federal law, causing pipes to break down.

From ProPublica

“Screw-like threads” were found to be worn, damaged or flattened, while corrosion and contaminants were found on other threads within the inspected coupler assembly, the agency said.

From Washington Post

Chains are packed in a thick grease meant to prevent corrosion, but this lubricant is terrible for actual riding.

From Outside Online

Both the ball and its race are made from heat-treated stainless steel for corrosion resistance, while a PTFE fabric liner between the two helps prevent noise.

From Outside Online

The lid is designed to securely fit the pot, plus the whole tool is phenomenally easy to clean and resistant to corrosion, meaning it will last you for ages.

From Popular-Science

(LOC 3507-3510) The most dangerous consequence of sexual attraction, however, is the corrosion of unit cohesion.

From The Daily Beast

The heat and corrosion of this idea spread through her being, and the will made no fight against it.

From Project Gutenberg

The concrete not only affords much of the strength to resist compression, but effectively protects the steel from corrosion.

From Project Gutenberg

The oil not only prevents evaporation but aids greatly to keep the uncovered parts from corrosion.

From Project Gutenberg

It must have been new when this world froze, for there was no sign of corrosion or oxidation.

From Project Gutenberg

The line of corrosion extending around the hull might have weakened her so badly that she was unseaworthy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• decay
• decomposition
• deterioration
• erosion
• rust