rod
Latingnaw, eat away
About This Root
From Latin rōdere (to gnaw, eat away). The gnawing action applies to both creatures and processes: rodent (a gnawing animal), erode (eat away gradually), erosion, corrode (eat away completely), corrosive. The progression from rodent (literal gnawing) to corrosion (chemical eating) shows how physical imagery extends to scientific contexts.
Associated Words · 7
erosion
The gradual wearing away of land or material by natural forces; slow weakening of something
erode
To gradually wear away or weaken by natural forces or ongoing processes
rodent
A small gnawing mammal such as a rat or mouse
corrosion
The gradual chemical destruction of a material; rust or similar substance formed
corrosive
Capable of eating away materials by chemical action; a substance that does this
corrode
To eat away or destroy gradually by chemical action
corrosion-resistant
Able to resist corrosion or rust