active state

in electrochemical corrosion
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.A00111
corrosion in the active state occurs by direct transfer (which may involve one or several steps) of metal ions from the metallic phase to the adjacent electrolyte. The corrosion current of an active metal usually increases when the electrode potential is made more positive, other conditions remaining constant.
Source:
PAC, 1989, 61, 19. 'Electrochemical corrosion nomenclature (Recommendations 1988)' on page 21 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac198961010019)