The following are some definitions of the word corrosion one can find on the Web. While all of them contain some elements of truth, it is important to turn to a Society such as NACE International for a generally accepted definition.
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Physicochemical interaction between a metal and its environment which results in changes in the properties of the metal and which may often lead to impairment of the function of the metal, the environment, or the technical system of which these form a part. ISO 8044-1986
Corrosion is an irreversible interfacial reaction of a material (metal, ceramic, polymer) with its environment which results in consumption of the material or in dissolution into the material of a component of the environment. IUPAC
The destructive disintegration of a metal by electrochemical means.
www.systemsaver.com/website/glossary/glossary.html
The Corrosion Forum
http://www.51fangfu.com
A process in which a metal is destroyed by a chemical reaction. When the metal is iron, the process is called rusting. chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/glossary/c.html
The deterioration of a metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction with its environment.
www.uscontainer.com/glossary.html
Gradual chemical or electrochemical attack on a metal by atmosphere, moisture or other agents.
www.weirton.com/glossary/C.html
Gradual solution or oxidation of a metal. (2) Solution of anode metal by the electrochemical action in an the plating cell.
www.techplate.com/platingglossary1.htm
A complex chemical or electrochemical process by which metal is destroyed through reaction with its environment, For example, rust is corrosion.
www.spwla.org/library_info/glossary/reference/glossc/glossc.htm
A chemical action that causes the gradual deterioration of the surface of a metal by oxidation or chemical reaction.
www.tkb-4u.com/glossarylist/glossary_ac.php
The gradual destruction or alteration of a metal or alloy caused by direct chemical attack or by electromechanical reaction.
www.maintenanceresources.com/ReferenceLibrary/Pipefitting/pgot.htm
Chemical action which causes destruction of the surface of a metal by oxidation or chemical combination. Also caused by reduction or chemical combination. Also caused by reduction of the electrical efficiency between the metal and a contiguous substance or to the disintegrating effect of strong electrical currents or ground return currents in electrical systems. The latter is known as electrolytic corrosion.
www.ilnorplex.com/glossary.htm
A dissolving and wearing away of metal caused by a chemical reaction, usually between water and metal pipes, or between two different metals. In a water system, corrosion can cause structural failure, leaks, loss of capacity, and deterioration of chemical and microbiological water quality. mauiwater.org/glossary.html
The deterioration of a material by chemical reaction or galvanic action.
www.prioritywire.com/glossary.html
The electrochemical degradation of metals/alloys or chemical degradation of materials (glass, concrete, etc.) due to a reaction with their environment; usually accelerated by the presence of acids or bases.
www.pqcorp.com/technicalservice/Glossary.asp
Gradual chemical or electrochemical attack on a metal by atmospheric moisture or other agents.
www.usx.com/corp/sheet/glossary.htm
Deteriorative loss of a metal as a result of environmental reactions.
www.cartech.doe.gov/resources/glossary.html
Chemical action which causes destruction of the surface of a a material by oxidation or chemical combination. Also caused by reduction of the electrical efficiency between a metal and a contiguous substance or to the disintegrating effects of strong electrical currents or ground return currents in electrical systems. The latter is known as electrolytic corrosion.
www.acculam.com/defs.htm
The deterioration of metal by chemical or electrochemical reactions with substances in its environment.
www.almag.com/glossary.htm
A process in which a metal is destroyed by a chemical reaction. library.thinkquest.org/C006669/data/Chem/glossary.html
A surface electrochemical phenomenon common to all base metals in aqueous or humid environments whereby metal ions are developed at an anodic site and the electrons associated with this dissolution accepted at a cathodic site.
www.erc.montana.edu/Res-Lib99-SW/glossary/geng.html
Degradation of the metal substrate by oxidation. That is the formation of an oxide layer on the metal surface. This process requires that the metal surface be exposed to oxygen, and is favoured in the presence of water. In the case of iron and steel, corrosion is often referred to as rusting.
www.certifiedfirst.com/information/glossary.asp
Deterioration of materials from chemical action.
www.hvac2000.com/definitionslist.htm
The deterioration of metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction resulting from exposure to weathering, moisture, chemicals or other agents or media.
www.c-risk.com/Reference_Library/BC_Glossary_01.htm
A surface electrochemical phenomenon common to all base metals in aqueous or humid environments whereby metal ions are developed at a cathodic site and the electrons associated with this dissolution accepted at an anodic site.
www.asmusa.org/edusrc/biofilms/gloss.html
Deteriorative loss of a metal as a result of dissolution environmental reactions.
www.tulane.edu/~bmitche/book/glossary.html
Destruction of a metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction with its' environment.
www.lubetrain.com/info/glossary.html
To eat away by chemical action. An oxidation process such as rust on steel. buy.ppg.com/osc/glossary.asp
A state of deterioration in metals caused by oxidation or chemical action
www.cogsci.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/webwn
Erosion by chemical action
www.cogsci.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/webwn
