Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Rust?

\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.