Final answer:
The word 'corrode' refers to the chemical wearing away of a material. Corrosive substances like hydrochloric acid can cause significant damage to metals and tissues, making safety measures crucial when handling such chemicals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 7-letter word that means to wear or eat away by the action of a chemical is corrode. When substances are corrosive, they are capable of causing deterioration of materials, such as metals or tissues, through a chemical reaction. Hydrochloric acid is an example of a corrosive substance that can cause severe damage to skin and eyes, eat through clothing, and cause similar effects on various materials. Corrosion is a process that is often observed with metals, leading to the formation of rust on iron, tarnish on silver, and a blue-green patina on copper. Safety precautions are very important when handling corrosive materials in the laboratory to prevent accidents and injuries.