Definition of rust

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rust    (rst) KEY 

NOUN:

1. Any of various powdery or scaly reddish-brown or reddish-yellow hydrated ferric oxides formed on iron and iron-containing materials by low-temperature oxidation in the presence of water.
2. Any of various metallic coatings, especially oxides, formed by corrosion.
3. A stain or coating resembling iron rust.
4. Deterioration, as of ability, resulting from inactivity or neglect.
5. Botany
   1. Rust fungus.
   2. A plant disease caused by a rust fungus, characterized by reddish or brownish spots on leaves, stems, and other parts.
6. A strong brown.

VERB:
rust·ed, rust·ing, rusts
VERB:
intr.

1. To become corroded.
2. To deteriorate or degenerate through inactivity or neglect.
3. To become the color of rust.
4. Botany To develop a disease caused by a rust fungus.

VERB:
tr.

1. To corrode or subject (a metal) to rust formation.
2. To impair or spoil, as by misuse or inactivity.
3. To color (something) a strong brown.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English rst; see reudh- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
rust(Adjective), rusta·ble(Adjective)