corrode

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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day 1 min 1 speaker 4 chapters transcribed 1 month ago
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What is the word of the day and its basic definition?

Unknown 0:06
It's the word of the day podcast for July third. Today's word is corrode,
Peter Sokolowski 0:14
spelled C O R R O D E. Corrode is a verb.

How is “corrode” used in a real‑world example sentence?

Peter Sokolowski 0:19
Corrode means to slowly break apart and destroy metal, an object, etc., through a chemical process, or to undergo such a process. It's also used as a synonym of the word undermine to mean to gradually destroy or weaken. Here's the word used in a sentence from Southern Living. Each piece is made of durable steel with a powder coating that won't rust, fade, or corrode in the weather.

What is the Latin origin of “corrode” and how did its meaning evolve?

Peter Sokolowski 0:46
Corrod comes from the Latin verb corrodore, meaning to gnaw or chew up. Corrodore in turn combines the prefix cor used here as an intensifier with the meaning of completely and the verb rotere, meaning to gnaw. You may recognize another rotaray descendant, the word rodent, as a word for members of an order of gnaw happy mammals. At one time corrode was used to literally indicate the action of gnawing away, as in woodworms corroded the wood.

How does the figurative sense of “corrode” apply to trust and relationships?

Peter Sokolowski 1:20
But it is the more figurative senses from the action of gnawing or eating away that have persisted, as in salt water corroded the iron, or a lack of transparency by local officials is corroding public trust. With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski.
Unknown 1:41
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