/ rʌst; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun [ U ]
1.
a reddish-brown substance that is formed on some metals by the action of water and air :
pipes covered with rust
rust spots
a rust-coloured dress
—see also rusty
2.
a plant disease that causes reddish-brown spots; the fungus that causes this disease
■ verb
if metal rusts or sth rusts it, it becomes covered with rust
SYN corrodes :
[ v ]
old rusting farming implements
Brass doesn't rust.
[ vn ]
Water had got in and rusted the engine.
► rust·ed adjective :
rusted iron
—see also rusty
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- rust away
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English rūst , of Germanic origin; related to Dutch roest , German Rost , also to red .