# corrosion

/kɝˈoʊʒən/ (US) · /kəɹˈəʊʒən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/corrosion
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. chemical damage to metal

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the process where metal is slowly destroyed by water, air, or chemicals.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a damaged substance

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the physical substance, like rust, that forms on a surface during this process.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. gradual weakening

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the slow destruction or weakening of something like a relationship, a system, or trust.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The salt in the air caused heavy corrosion on the bridge.
- Engineers must inspect the underwater supports regularly to check for signs of corrosion caused by the saltwater.
- While the physical corrosion of the hull was manageable, the systemic corrosion of the crew's morale proved to be the more significant threat to the mission's success.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.