rust
noun
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.
had been rusting
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past perfect progressiveof rust.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Same exact building, which had been rusting away, with raccoons living in there and all that.
From Salon ● Feb. 3, 2020
It had been rusting away in the middle, but I was positive I’d get at least another semester out of the poor thing.
From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia
Mr. Hinchford liked Mattie; her presence had brightened him up, given a shake to ideas that had been rusting of late.
From Mattie:?A Stray (Vol 2 of 3) by Frederick William Robinson
