corrode

views updated May 23 2018

cor·rode / kəˈrōd/ • v. [tr.] destroy or damage (metal, stone, or other materials) slowly by chemical action. ∎  [intr.] (of metal or other materials) be destroyed or damaged in this way. ∎ fig. destroy or weaken (something) gradually: the self-centered climate corrodes ideals and concerns about social justice.DERIVATIVES: cor·rod·i·ble adj.

corrode

views updated May 14 2018

corrode. XIV — L. corrōdere, f. COR- + rōdere gnaw (see RODENT).
So corrosion XIV. — OF. or late L. corrosive adj. and sb. XIV. — OF. corosif — medL. corrōsīvus.

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