Etymology Map
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Erode

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to gradually wear away

Where does the word "erode" come from? It comes from Latin erodere, adopted directly into English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
erodere
Latin · ancient
"to gnaw away"
'e-' plus 'rodere', to gnaw, the root of 'rodent'
2
Stage 2 of 2
erode
English · 1610s
"to eat away"
geological 'erosion' dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Erode’s story begins in Latin: erodere meant “to gnaw away.” 'e-' plus 'rodere', to gnaw, the root of 'rodent'. It reached English by 1610s as erode. Geological 'erosion' dates from the 1800s. Today, erode means to gradually wear away.