Dictionary

corrode

verb cor·rode \kə-ˈrōd\

: to slowly break apart and destroy (metal, an object, etc.) through a chemical process

: to gradually destroy or weaken (something)

cor·rod·edcor·rod·ing

Full Definition of CORRODE

transitive verb
1
:  to eat away by degrees as if by gnawing; especially :  to wear away gradually usually by chemical action <the metal was corroded beyond repair>
2
:  to weaken or destroy gradually :  undermine <manners and miserliness that corrode the human spirit — Bernard De Voto>
intransitive verb
:  to undergo corrosion
cor·rod·ible \-ˈrō-də-bəl\ adjective
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of CORRODE

Middle English, from Latin corrodere to gnaw to pieces, from com- + rodere to gnaw — more at rodent
First Known Use: 14th century
CORRODED Defined for Kids

corrode

verb cor·rode \kə-ˈrōd\
cor·rod·edcor·rod·ing

Definition of CORRODE for Kids

1
:  to wear away little by little (as by rust or acid)
2
:  to gradually destroy or weaken <corroding traditions>
Medical Dictionary

corrode

verb cor·rode \kə-ˈrōd\
cor·rod·edcor·rod·ing

Medical Definition of CORRODE

transitive verb
:  to eat away by degrees as if by gnawing; especially :  to wear away gradually usually by chemical action
intransitive verb
:  to undergo corrosion

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: corrodentPrevious Word in the Dictionary: corroboreeAll Words Near: corrode
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears