Corrosion

Degradation of materials due to chemical reactions.

metal decay material degradation

Corrosion is the gradual degradation of materials, typically metals, due to chemical reactions with their environment. The most common form is oxidation, such as rusting of iron and steel when exposed to water and oxygen.

Etymology

Corrosion comes from the Latin word 'corroderi,' meaning to eat away.

Explain Like I’m 5

Corrosion is when materials, like metal, slowly break down because of chemical reactions with things around them, kind of like how a rusty nail forms.

Fun Facts

The Great Wall of China is corroding due to exposure to the elements
Iron oxide, or rust, is a common product of corrosion
Stainless steel resists corrosion due to the addition of chromium

FAQ

What is corrosion? It's the gradual destruction of materials by chemical reactions
What causes it? Exposure to oxygen, water, or other chemicals can cause corrosion
How is it prevented? Coatings and protective alloys are used to prevent or slow down corrosion

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

deterioration degradation

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

rusting oxidation tarnish

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

material degradation

Indexes

chemical process environmental process physical phenomenon

Built by Tim Jones