corrosive

adjective

cor·​ro·​sive kə-ˈrō-siv How to pronounce corrosive (audio)
-ziv
Synonyms of corrosive
1
: tending or having the power to corrode
corrosive acids
corrosive action
the corrosive effects of alcoholism
2
: bitingly sarcastic
corrosive satire
corrosive noun
corrosively adverb
corrosiveness noun

Synonyms of corrosive

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Examples of corrosive in a Sentence

She argues that racism is dangerous and corrosive to society. a corrosive satire on the fashion industry and its movers and shakers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The oxide layer becomes a physical barrier, which prevents the corrosive molten lead from touching the base structural steel. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 Since horticultural vinegar can be corrosive, Angelika Zaber, a lawn and garden expert from Online Turf, recommends wearing protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and closed-toe shoes. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026 The state’s June primary election results reveal a corrosive factor is undermining the party’s future, according to the man who wrote the autopsy on Democratic losses in 2024, veteran political strategist Paul Rivera. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 Splashing down in the ocean exposes the spacecraft’s engines, stainless steel structure, and sensitive electronics to the corrosive effects of salt water. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for corrosive

Word History

Etymology

Middle English corrosif, borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin corrōsīvus, from Latin corrōsus, past participle of corrōdere "to gnaw, corrode" + -īvus -ive

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of corrosive was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing corrosive

Rhymes for corrosive

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Browse Nearby Words

corrosion fatigue
corrosive
corrosively
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Cite this Entry

“Corrosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corrosive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

corrosive

adjective
cor·​ro·​sive kə-ˈrō-siv How to pronounce corrosive (audio)
-ziv
: tending or having the power to corrode
corrosive acids
corrosive noun
corrosively adverb
corrosiveness noun

Medical Definition

corrosive

1 of 2 adjective
cor·​ro·​sive -ˈrō-siv, -ziv How to pronounce corrosive (audio)
: tending or having the power to corrode
corrosive acids
a corrosive gas
corrosiveness noun

corrosive

2 of 2 noun
: a substance that corrodes : caustic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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