rust

²rust

verb

Definition of RUST

intransitive verb

1

: to form rust : become oxidized <iron rusts>

2

: to degenerate especially from inaction, lack of use, or passage of time <most men would … have allowed their faculties to rust — T. B. Macaulay>

3

: to become reddish brown as if with rust <the leaves slowly rusted>

4

: to be affected with a rust fungus

transitive verb

1

: to cause (a metal) to form rust <keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them — Shakespeare>

2

: to impair or corrode by or as if by time, inactivity, or deleterious use

3

: to cause to become reddish brown : turn the color of rust

Examples of RUST

1. Your bicycle will rust if you leave it out in the rain.
2. The moist air rusted the latch on the door.
3. The old iron fence was rusted.

First Known Use of RUST

13th century