corrosive
Definitions
Capable of destroying materials, especially metal, by chemical action.
腐蚀性的，有腐蚀作用的（尤指对金属）。
(of words or attitudes) bitter and harmful, slowly damaging confidence or relationships.
（言辞、态度）尖刻的，慢慢侵蚀人的（信心、关系）。
A substance that corrodes materials.
腐蚀剂，腐蚀性物质。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcor- (thoroughly) + ros (gnaw, past-participle stem) + -ive (tending to) = 'tending to gnaw through.' Literally it describes acids and chemicals that eat metal. Figuratively, biting words are corrosive too — they do to confidence what acid does to steel.
Root rod still carries 7 more wordsWhy It Means This
Corrosive carries the gnawing image into two worlds at once. In the lab it is purely physical — the yellow hazard diamond means 'this will eat your skin.' But English noticed that cruelty works the same way, so corrosive also describes remarks, jealousy, or cynicism that quietly eats away at a person from the inside.
Common Collocations
- 1.corrosive acid腐蚀性的酸
- 2.corrosive chemicals腐蚀性化学品
- 3.highly corrosive强腐蚀性的
- 4.corrosive effect腐蚀作用
- 5.corrosive criticism尖刻的批评
Example Sentences
- 1.
The bottle is labelled corrosive and must be handled with gloves.
- 2.
Strong acids are highly corrosive to most metals.
- 3.
His corrosive sarcasm slowly destroyed the team's morale.