Corrode comes from Latin corrodere ("to gnaw to pieces"), a combination of the prefix "cor-" (used here as an intensifier with the meaning of "completely") and the verb "rodere" ("to gnaw"). At one time, "corrode" was used to literally indicate the action of gnawing away, as in "woodworms corroded the wood." But it is the more figurative senses from the action of gnawing or eating away that have persisted, as in "salt water corroded the iron" or "graphic content on television and the Internet is corroding the moral fabric of society."
Rainwater may corrode the steel containers. Over time, the pipes become corroded and need to be replaced. After a few weeks in the ocean, the boat began to corrode. Years of lies and secrets had corroded their relationship.
Recent Examples on the WebOver time, your favorite brass pieces can lose their shine as oxygen, water, and other elements cause the metal to corrode or tarnish. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2022 The cutbacks likely won’t damage the pipeline itself, although steel can corrode and leaks could form. Paul Roderick Gregory, WSJ, 24 Aug. 2022 This heat could potentially corrode the canisters, compromise the bentonite, or even crack the rock face. Howard Lee, Ars Technica, 17 Aug. 2022 The boat’s bearings also began to corrode halfway through the journey.Fox News, 30 July 2022 The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot, preventing the hood latch from properly engaging.Detroit Free Press, 2 Sep. 2022 Over time, the chemicals found in Fabuloso and other similar cleaners will corrode plastic and rubber flush valve components, shortening their lifespan. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2022 This water would eventually corrode the waste canisters, according to Long, and would ultimately flush leaking waste into a regional aquifer. Howard Lee, Ars Technica, 17 Aug. 2022 As the water mains and pipelines corrode and break, the water treatment plant requires more and more expensive repairs.AZCentral.com, 8 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English corroden, borrowed from Latin corrōdere "to gnaw, chew up," from cor-, variant before r of com-com- + rōdere "to gnaw, nibble, eat away" — more at rodent