corrosive
kuh-ROH-siv
/kəˈroʊsɪv/
Causing damage by chemical action; tending to eat away or destroy materials.
Refers strictly to chemical erosion of living tissue, metals, or solids, but figuratively applies to damaging social dynamics.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'corrodere' (to gnaw away completely), formed from 'com-' (intense) and 'rodere' (to gnaw, which also gives us 'rodent'). Acids were viewed as invisible beasts gnawing metal.
Word relationships
- caustic: Caustic specifically refers to corrosive burning by alkaline or basic substances, whereas corrosive covers both acids and alkalis.
- erosive: Erosive implies mechanical or environmental wearing away rather than chemical destruction.
- non-corrosive: Does not react chemically to destroy materials.
- protective: Shields surfaces against chemical damage.
Commonly confused with
- caustic: Caustic typically refers to strong bases like lye, while corrosive applies to strong acids and alkalis alike.
Word family
- corrode (verb): To destroy or damage metal or tissue by chemical reaction.
- corrosion (noun): The process of corroding or being corroded.
Collocations
- corrosive substance
- corrosive liquid
- corrosive chemical
- corrosive action
Example sentences
- "Store corrosive acids in specialized polyethylene containers rather than metal drums." Chemical safety guidelines
- "The committee warned that workplace mistrust had a corrosive effect on team morale." Public policy analysis
Memory hook
CORROSIVE chemicals gnaw on metal like a RODent (rodere = gnaw). Eats away like a rat.
When not to use
Do not use for physical wearing down caused by friction (use 'abrasive' instead).
Fun facts
- Hydrofluoric acid is so corrosive that it dissolves glass, requiring containment in specialized fluoropolymer plastics.
Related words
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