CORROSION

corrosion, corroding, erosion

(noun) erosion by chemical action

corrosion

(noun) a state of deterioration in metals caused by oxidation or chemical action

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

corrosion (countable and uncountable, plural corrosions)

The act of corroding or the condition so produced.

A substance (such as rust) so formed.

(chemistry) Erosion by chemical action, especially oxidation.

(by extension) The gradual destruction or undermining of something.

Source: Wiktionary

Cor*ro"sion (kr-r"zhn), n. Etym: [LL. corrosio: cf. F. corrosion. See Corrode.]

Definition: The action or effect of corrosive agents, or the process of corrosive change; as, the rusting of iron is a variety of corrosion. Corrosion is a particular species of dissolution of bodies, either by an acid or a saline menstruum. John Quincy.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition