corrosivea.[Cf. F. corrosif.]1. Eating away; having the power of gradually wearing, changing, or destroying the texture or substance of a body; as, the corrosive action of an acid.()2. Having the quality of fretting or vexing.()Care is no cure, but corrosive. (Shak.)Corrosive sublimate (Chem.), mercuric chloride, HgCl2; so called because obtained by sublimation, and because of its harsh irritating action on the body tissue. Usually it is in the form of a heavy, transparent, crystalline substance, easily soluble, and of an acrid, burning taste. It is a virulent poison, a powerful antiseptic, and an excellent antisyphilitic; called also mercuric bichloride. It is to be carefully distinguished from calomel, the mild chloride of mercury.()n.1. That which has the quality of eating or wearing away gradually.()[Corrosives] act either directly, by chemically destroying the part, or indirectly by causing inflammation and gangrene. (Dunglison.)2. That which has the power of fretting or irritating.()Such speeches . . . are grievous corrosives. (Hooker.)()