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Rust   /rəst/   Listen
noun
Rust  n.  
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." 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 (Zool.), a minute mite (Phytopius oleivorus) which, by puncturing the rind, causes the rust-colored patches on oranges.


verb
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."
2.
Fig.: To impair by time and inactivity.


Rust  v. i.  (past & past part. rusted; pres. part. rusting)  
1.
To contract rust; to be or become oxidized. "If gold ruste, what shall iron do?" "Our armors now may rust."
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?"





Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48


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"Rust" Quotes from Famous Books



... cod-liver oil may be changed to the delightful one of fresh oyster, if the patient will drink a large glass of water poured from a vessel in which nails have been allowed to rust. ...
— The Whitehouse Cookbook (1887) - The Whole Comprising A Comprehensive Cyclopedia Of Information For - The Home • Mrs. F.L. Gillette
... famous. Yet he is unsatisfied. The task and routine of governing a slow, materially minded people, though suited to his son's temperament, are unsuited to his. He wants to wear out rather than to rust out. He wants to discover what the world still holds. He wants to drink life to the lees. The morning has passed, the long day has waned, twilight and the darkness are at hand. But scant as are the years left to him, he will use them ...
— It Can Be Done - Poems of Inspiration • Joseph Morris
... chance the weir or the waterfall than be alone on that island with a maniac. But the chain was stretched straight and stiff as a lance,—she could not untwist it. She was still struggling, with pink fingers bruised and rust-stained, when something heavy crashed through the saplings and a voice ...
— The Incomplete Amorist • E. Nesbit
... are going to rust in the Riviera when you want to be on the Himalayas. Wouldn't it do your wife good to give up her books and her music for a while ...
— The Whirlpool • George Gissing
... graces must be tried in the fire, that that rust that cleaveth to them may be taken away, and themselves proved, both before angels and devils, to be far better than of gold that perisheth; it may be also, that thy graces are to receive special ...
— The Works of John Bunyan • John Bunyan


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