verb

corrode

to corrode, to rust, to eat away

Acid can corrode metal.

Acid can corrode metal.

The old pipes started to corrode.

The old pipes started to corrode.

Years of lies corroded their trust.

Years of lies corroded their trust.

((sth.)) to destroy sth. slowly by chemical action Acid can corrode metal.

to be destroyed by chemical action The old pipes started to corrode.

Synonyms: erode, rust, decay; Antonyms: protect, restore

From Latin 'cor-' (completely) + 'rodere' (to gnaw). It literally means 'to gnaw to pieces'.

Think of a 'rodent' gnawing away at something completely ('cor-'). That's what acid does to metal.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.