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 rusted
-
past perfectof rust.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
The bottle stopper was cork, which had expanded over time and stuck to the glass, while the wire which held it in place had rusted away.
From BBC ● Nov. 8, 2024
Florence Knoll, Mr. Schultz’s boss, had taken a few metal chairs by the sculptor and designer Harry Bertoia to her seaside house in Florida, and they had rusted out.
From New York Times ● Oct. 10, 2021
As volunteers cleaned out the debris, Golitko started the work of tracking down as many historically authentic parts to replace all the ones that had rusted or been stolen.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 18, 2018
On a recent workday, more than half of the company’s fleet bobbed uselessly at the dock, holes gaping where the ships’ decks and sides had rusted open.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 7, 2016
The metal ladder had rusted, which made it easy to grip.
From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat
