Word
corrosion
Phoneticscor·ro·sion, stress on the second syllable
US/kɝˈoʊʒən/
UK/kəɹˈəʊʒən/
Definitions
01chemical damage to metal
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the process where metal is slowly destroyed by water, air, or chemicals.
n. the deterioration of a material, usually a metal, due to a chemical reaction with its environment, such as oxidation.
“The salt in the sea air caused fast corrosion on the old bridge.”
“Engineers must apply specialized coatings to the hull to prevent saltwater corrosion from compromising the ship's structural integrity.”
Usage
Often uncountable when referring to the process, but countable when referring to specific damaged areas.
02a damaged substance
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the physical substance, like rust, that forms on a surface during this process.
n. the physical product or residue resulting from a corrosive process.
“He scraped the green corrosion off the old copper pipes.”
“The technician identified thick layers of corrosion inside the valve, which had eventually caused the entire cooling system to fail.”
03gradual weakening
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal
n. the slow destruction or weakening of something like a relationship, a system, or trust.
n. the gradual undermining, wearing away, or destruction of an abstract entity or social structure.
“The corrosion of trust between the two leaders made a deal impossible.”
“Political analysts warned that the persistent spread of misinformation was leading to a slow corrosion of democratic values across the region.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“As a group, these materials are strong, biocompatible, and resistant to both heat and corrosion.” “Corrosion is an economic and safety issue for outdoor metal products and structures.” Etymology
From Middle English corrosioun, from Old French corrosion, or its source, Late Latin corrōsiōnem, accusative singular of corrōsiō (“gnawing away, corroding”), from Latin corrōdō (“gnaw away, corrode”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/corrosion