The term 'CAUSES CORROSION' can be solved by the crossword answer 'WEARS', which is a five-letter word. Corrosion is a process of deterioration caused by chemical reactions between a material and its environment. It is often caused by exposure to oxygen, water, or other chemicals, and can result in rusting, pitting, or cracking of the material. Wearing away is one of the most common causes of corrosion, as it can occur when a material is exposed to friction or abrasion.