rust
UK: rʌst | US: rʌst
n. 1. A reddish-brown coating formed on iron or steel by oxidation, especially in the presence of moisture.
n. 2. A fungal disease of plants causing reddish-brown spots.
vi. 1. To become corroded or oxidized, forming rust.
vt. 1. To cause (metal) to corrode.
The word "rust" traces back to Old English rūst, derived from Proto-Germanic rusta-, meaning "redness" or "corrosion." It is linked to the color of oxidized iron and shares roots with words like "ruddy" (reddish) and the Latin russus (red). The term has retained its core meaning of oxidative decay while expanding metaphorically to describe plant diseases and stagnation (e.g., "rusty skills").
The old bicycle chain was covered in rust after years in the rain.
Wet climates accelerate the process of iron rusting.
Tomato plants infected with rust develop brown spots on their leaves.
He sanded the rust off the car’s bumper before repainting it.
Without practice, your language skills will rust over time.