Meaning

The deteriorated state of iron or steel as a result of moisture and oxidation; it consists mostly of iron(III) oxide (ferric oxide) and iron(II) oxide (ferrous oxide)..

Definitions by Sense

1. The deteriorated state of iron or steel as a result of moisture and oxidation; it consists mostly of iron(III) oxide (ferric oxide) and iron(II) oxide (ferrous oxide).
2. A similar substance based on another metal.
3. A reddish-brown color.
4. A disease of plants caused by a reddish-brown fungus (Pucciniales).
5. (philately) Damage caused to stamps and album pages by a fungal infection.
6. (intransitive) To oxidize, especially of iron or steel.
7. (transitive) To cause to oxidize.
8. (intransitive) To be affected with the parasitic fungus called rust.

Example Sentences

The rust on my bicycle chain made cycling to work very dangerous.

copper rust

The patio furniture had rusted in the wind-driven spray.

Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire.

The relegation of locomotives to storage seemed to be on a very unsystematic basis on all three principal Irish railways: while one member of a class was rusting in a yard, another might be hard at work in revenue-earning service—[…].

The wind-driven spray had thoroughly rusted the patio furniture.

I am sorry to say that, contrary to the majority, I have to report that the forage rusted rather badly.

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

Word Forms

• rusts
• rusting
• rusted

Synonyms for rust

Related Words

When Should You Use Rust?

Use rust when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions