corrode Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb cause to deteriorate due to the action of water, air, or an acid
    eat; rust.
    • The acid corroded the metal
    • The steady dripping of water rusted the metal stopper in the sink
  2. verb become destroyed by water, air, or a corrosive such as an acid
    rust.
    • The metal corroded
    • The pipes rusted

WordNet

Cor*rode" transitive verb
Etymology
L. corrodere, -rosum; cor + rodere to gnaw: cf. F. corroder. See Rodent.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Corroded; present participle & verbal noun Corroding
Definitions
  1. To eat away by degrees; to wear away or diminish by gradually separating or destroying small particles of, as by action of a strong acid or a caustic alkali.
    Aqua fortis corroding copper . . . is wont to reduce it to a green-blue solution. Boyle.
  2. To consume; to wear away; to prey upon; to impair.
Cor*rode" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To have corrosive action; to be subject to corrosion. Syn. -- To canker; gnaw; rust; waste; wear away.

Webster 1913