corrosion
corrosion Lexical Profile
corrosion Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The gradual destruction or deterioration of a material, especially a metal, through a chemical or electrochemical reaction with its environment, as well as the damaged state or substance resulting from this process.
"Engineers applied a protective zinc coating to the steel bridge to prevent corrosion caused by salt water and humidity."
A slow, progressive weakening, undermining, or decay of something intangible, such as public trust, moral standards, or an institution.
"Widespread misinformation contributed to a steady corrosion of public confidence in civic institutions."
Word Nuance & Usage
While often confused with 'erosion,' 'corrosion' specifically refers to the gradual destruction of materials (especially metals) through chemical or electrochemical reactions, whereas 'erosion' refers to the physical wearing away of surfaces by mechanical forces like wind or water.
• Rhymes for corrosion
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French corrosion, from Late Latin corrosionem, a noun of action derived from the Latin verb corrodere ('to gnaw to pieces'), combining com- (intensive prefix) and rodere ('to gnaw').