Origin: Latin suffix -sion
Corrosion has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
a state of deterioration in metals caused by oxidation or chemical action
"The rust spreading across the iron bridge is visible evidence of corrosion."
The act of corroding or the condition so produced.
"The corrosion on the iron railing caused it to crumble after years of exposure to saltwater."
In plain English: Corrosion is when metal slowly breaks down and turns into rust because of exposure to air or water.
"The rust and corrosion on the old bridge made engineers worry about its structural safety."
Usage: Corrosion refers specifically to the gradual destruction of materials, usually metals, by chemical reactions with their environment such as moisture and oxygen. Use this term for physical degradation rather than metaphorical decay or general wear and tear caused by friction.
The word comes from the Latin phrase corrōdiere, meaning "to gnaw away," which entered English via Old French and Middle English. Originally describing a literal gnawing action, it now refers to the gradual destruction of materials by chemical reaction with their environment.