corrode

Everyday

1. When metal corrodes, or something corrodes it, it is slowly damaged and eaten away by chemical action, such as rust from water and air or damage from acid: «Salt water corrodes the car». tree →
2. To slowly weaken or destroy something good, such as trust or friendship: «Lies corrode trust». tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on materials and chemical change, pupils test which conditions make iron nails rust (corrode) — water and air together — and how paint, oil or galvanising (zinc coating) protect them. In everyday life, salty roads in winter and sea air corrode cars and bikes. Phrases: «corrode away», «corroded pipes», «corroded battery».

Examples

• Iron corrodes when it gets wet and is exposed to air. tree →
• The sea air had corroded the old bike. tree →
• Acid can corrode metal. tree →
• Old batteries can leak and corrode, so do not touch the white crust. tree →
• Paint stops the gate from corroding. tree →
• Telling lies can corrode a friendship. tree →
• Gold does not corrode, which is why old gold coins still shine. tree →

Note

The noun is «corrosion» and the adjective «corrosive» (a corrosive liquid can burn skin — the safety sign shows a hand being damaged). «Rust» is the name for corrosion of iron and steel; other metals corrode in other ways (copper turns green). Spelled with double r.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means to waste away, as the bones of a sick man.

Interpretation. Job's friend describes the suffering of illness as the body wasting away.

Examples

• His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones corrode to unsightliness. (Writings JOB.33.21, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

The noun is «corrosion» and the adjective «corrosive» (a corrosive liquid can burn skin — the safety sign shows a hand being damaged). «Rust» is the name for corrosion of iron and steel; other metals corrode in other ways (copper turns green). Spelled with double r.