corrosion
noun
- gradual destruction of materials by chemical reaction with its environment
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /kəˈɹəʊʒən/ / /kəˈɹoʊʒən/
noun
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”).
- The act of corroding or the condition so produced.
- A substance (such as rust) so formed.
- Erosion by chemical action, especially oxidation.
- The gradual destruction or undermining of something.
“the corrosion of values”