corrode

One entry found for corrode.

Main Entry: cor·rode
Pronunciation: k&-'rOd
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): cor·rod·ed; cor·rod·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin corrodere to gnaw to pieces, from com- + rodere to gnaw -- more at RODENT
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 /-'rO-d&-b&l/ adjective