kəˈrōzhən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English corosion, from Late Latin corrosion-, corrosio act of gnawing, from Latin corrosus (past participle of corrodere ) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the action, process, or effect of corroding: as
a. : the action or process of corrosive chemical change not necessarily accompanied by loss of form or compactness ; typically : a gradual wearing away or alteration by a chemical or electrochemical essentially oxidizing process (as in the atmospheric rusting of iron)
b. : a gradual weakening, loss, or destruction (as of spirit or force)
the corrosion of faith and the corruption of moral standards — Times Literary Supplement
c. : erosion of land or rock ; specifically : the removal of soil or rock by the solvent or chemical action of running water — compare corrasion
2.
a. : a product of corrosion
a hard corrosion of white lead
b. : a study specimen of an organ or other structure prepared by injection of hollow parts (as blood vessels) with a plastic and subsequent removal of the surrounding tissue by corrosion