Definitions for: Rust


[n] any of various fungi causing rust disease in plants
[n] the formation of reddish-brown ferric oxides on iron by low-temperature oxidation in the presence of water
[n] a reddish-brown discoloration of leaves and stems caused by a rust fungus
[n] a red or brown oxide coating on iron or steel caused by the action of oxygen and moisture
[adj] of the color of rust
[v] become coated with oxide
[v] become destroyed by water, air, or an etching chemical such as an acid; "The metal corroded"; "The pipes rusted"
[v] cause to deteriorate due to the action of water, air, or an acid; "The acid corroded the metal"; "The steady dripping of water rusted the metal stopper in the sink"



Webster (1913) Definition: Rust, n. [AS. rust; akin to D. roest, G. & Sw. rost,
Icel. ry[eth]; -- named from its color, and akin to E. red.
[root]113. See Red.]
1. (Chem.) The reddish yellow coating formed on iron when
exposed to moist air, consisting of ferric oxide or
hydroxide; hence, by extension, any metallic film of
corrosion.

2. (Bot.) A minute mold or fungus forming reddish or rusty
spots on the leaves and stems of cereal and other grasses
(Trichobasis Rubigo-vera), now usually believed to be a
form or condition of the corn mildew ({Puccinia
graminis}). As rust, it has solitary reddish spores; as
corn mildew, the spores are double and blackish.

Note: Rust is also applied to many other minute fungi which
infest vegetation, such as the species of Ustilago,
Uredo, and Lecythea.

3. That which resembles rust in appearance or effects.
Specifically: (a) A composition used in making a rust
joint. See Rust joint, below.
(b) Foul matter arising from degeneration; as, rust on
salted meat.
(c) Corrosive or injurious accretion or influence.

Sacred truths cleared from all rust and dross of
human mixtures. --Eikon
Basilike.

Note: Rust is used in the formation of compounds of obvious
meaning; as, rust-colored, rust-consumed, rust-eaten,
and the like.

Rust joint, a joint made between surfaces of iron by
filling the space between them with a wet mixture of
cast-iron borings, sal ammoniac, and sulphur, which by
oxidation becomes hard, and impervious to steam, water,
etc.

Rust mite (Zo["o]l.), a minute mite (Phytopius oleivorus)
which, by puncturing the rind, causes the rust-colored
patches on oranges.


Rust, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Rusted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Rusting.] [AS. rustian.]
1. To contract rust; to be or become oxidized.

If gold ruste, what shall iron do? --Chaucer.

Our armors now may rust. --Dryden.

2. To be affected with the parasitic fungus called rust;
also, to acquire a rusty appearance. as plants.

3. Fig.: To degenerate in idleness; to become dull or
impaired by inaction.

Must I rust in Egypt? never more Appear in arms, and
be the chief of Greece? --Dryden.


Rust, v. t.
1. To cause to contract rust; to corrode with rust; to affect
with rust of any kind.

Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust
them. --Shak.

2. Fig.: To impair by time and inactivity. --Johnson.

Synonyms: chromatic, corrode, rust fungus, rusting, rusty

See Also: aeciospore, aecium, apple rust, blister rust, blister rust, cedar-apple rust, corroding, corrosion, Cronartium ribicola, crumble, damage, decay, delapidate, eat away, erosion, ferric oxide, ferric oxide, flax rust, flax rust fungus, fret, fungus, goethite, gothite, Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae, Melampsora lini, order Uredinales, oxidation, oxidisation, oxidization, plant disease, Puccinia graminis, Uredinales, wheat rust, white pine blister rust, white-pine rust

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