corrosive
UK: kəˈrəʊsɪv | US: kəˈroʊsɪv
adj. capable of causing corrosion (gradual destruction by chemical action)
n. a substance that causes corrosion
The word "corrosive" traces back to Latin corrodere ("to gnaw away"), composed of com- (intensive prefix) + rodere ("to gnaw"). The root rodere also gives us words like "rodent" (gnawing animals). Over time, corrodere evolved into Old French corrosif, referring to substances that "eat away" materials. The suffix -ive (from Latin -ivus) marks it as an adjective. The modern sense retains the original logic of gradual destruction, now applied primarily to chemical reactions.
Acid rain has a corrosive effect on limestone buildings.
The lab requires gloves when handling corrosive chemicals.
Rust is a visible sign of corrosive action on iron.
His corrosive criticism undermined team morale.
The container is lined to resist corrosive substances.