rust
Also called iron rust . the red or orange coating that forms on the surface of iron when exposed to air and moisture, consisting chiefly of ferric hydroxide and ferric oxide formed by oxidation.
any film or coating on metal caused by oxidation.
a stain resembling this coating.
any growth, habit, influence, or agency tending to injure, deteriorate, or impair the mind, character, abilities, usefulness, etc.
Plant Pathology.
any of several diseases of plants, characterized by reddish, brownish, or black pustules on the leaves, stems, etc., caused by fungi of the order Uredinales.
Also called rust fungus . a fungus causing this disease.
any of several other diseases of unknown cause, characterized by reddish-brown spots or discolorations on the affected parts.
reddish yellow, reddish brown, or yellowish red.
to become or grow rusty, as iron.
to contract rust.
to deteriorate or become impaired, as through inaction or disuse.
to become rust-colored.
to affect with rust.
to impair as if with rust.
to make rust-colored.
having the color rust.
rust out, (of metal pipes, machinery, etc.) to decay and become unusable through the action of rust.
rust through, to develop holes, breaks, or the like, because of rust.
rust together, to join two metal pieces, as iron pipes, by causing the joint to rust.
Origin of rust
1Other words for rust
Other words from rust
- de·rust, verb (used with object)
- un·rust, verb (used with object)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use rust in a sentence
Never use food from swollen or severely rusted cans, just to be safe.
How to stock your pantry to endure a long, uncertain winter | By Tim MacWelch/Outdoor Life | November 9, 2020 | Popular-ScienceMade from strong and rust-proof ABS plastic, this rotating sprinkler features three adjustable heads with four nozzles each.
This finish helps give the pan a non stick layer, and seals in the raw cast iron which is susceptible to rust.
The powder-coated paint resists rust, and the lightweight, fiberglass handle won’t snap easily.
Each basket is made of high quality metal and eco-friendly anti-rust surface coating, guaranteeing longevity and durability.
Use every inch of your pantry with these door organizers | PopSci Commerce Team | October 16, 2020 | Popular-Science
Oxygen is an extremely reactive chemical, corroding metals, rusting iron, and fueling fires.
Why Did It Take So Long For Complex Life To Evolve On Earth? Blame Oxygen. | Matthew R. Francis | November 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTQuality can be found in the most mundane works of man—even within the rusting gears of a motorcycle engine.
Zen, Motorcycles, And The Cult of Tech: How Robert Pirsig’s Classic Anticipated the Future | Nathaniel Rich | August 31, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe crude, rusting poles are piled side-by-side in a snowdrift of steel on the floor of the Hirshhorn.
Chinese Hold Ai WeiWei’s Passport, Denies Access to Art Opening | Blake Gopnik | October 8, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTUltimately, he's attempting to set a new course for an overweight and rusting battleship.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Reaches Flawed Deal to End Chicago Teachers Strike | James Warren | September 19, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTSaying the Syrian military is “rusting,” Hijab claimed Assad now controls just 30 percent of the country's land.
Former Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab Calls Regime an ‘Enemy of God’ | Mike Giglio | August 14, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTHer sympathy with a great soldier snubbed, an active man rusting, kept her from remonstrance.
Lord Ormont and his Aminta, Complete | George MeredithYou could tell, because the steel was rusting in the salt air, and the grid shone through the green paint in red-orange.
Little Brother | Cory DoctorowAll the doors we'd passed in the cellblock were old, rusting things that dated back to when the base was first built.
Little Brother | Cory DoctorowAlong the ridge of the hog-wallow rested the rusting Winchesters of the Mexicans—all pointing in the same direction.
Sixes and Sevens | O. HenryIt was a neat building, with everything in apple-pie order, and no danger of anything; rusting there for want of oil.
Cape Cod | Henry D. Thoreau
British Dictionary definitions for rust
/ (rʌst) /
a reddish-brown oxide coating formed on iron or steel by the action of oxygen and moisture
Also called: rust fungus plant pathol
any basidiomycetous fungus of the order Uredinales, parasitic on cereal plants, conifers, etc
any of various plant diseases characterized by reddish-brown discoloration of the leaves and stem, esp that caused by the rust fungi
a strong brown colour, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish tinge
(as adjective): a rust carpet
any corrosive or debilitating influence, esp lack of use
to become or cause to become coated with a layer of rust
to deteriorate or cause to deteriorate through some debilitating influence or lack of use: he allowed his talent to rust over the years
Origin of rust
1Derived forms of rust
- rustless, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for rust
[ rŭst ]
Any of the various reddish-brown oxides of iron that form on iron and many of its alloys when they are exposed to oxygen in the presence of moisture.
Any of various basidiomycete fungi that are parasitic on plants and produce reddish or brownish spots on leaves. Rusts attack a wide variety of plants and can cause enormous damage to crops.
Any of the various plant diseases caused by these fungi.
To become corroded or oxidized.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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