Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Rust
Rust
,Noun.
[AS.
rust
; akin to D. roest
, G. & Sw. rost
, Icel. ryð
; – named from its color, and akin to E. red
. √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. ☞ 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.
☞ 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.Rust
,Verb.
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
Appear in arms, and be the chief of Greece?
rust
in Egypt? never moreAppear in arms, and be the chief of Greece?
Dryden.
Rust
,Verb.
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. Shakespeare
2.
Fig.:
To impair by time and inactivity.
Johnson.
Webster 1828 Edition
Rust
RUST
,Noun.
1.
The oxyd of a metal; a substance composed of oxygen combined with a metal, and forming a rough coat on its surface. All metals except gold are liable to rust.2.
Loss of power by inactivity, as metals lose their brightness and smoothness when not used.3.
Any foul matter contracted; as rust on corn or salted meat.4.
Foul extraneous matter; as sacred truths cleared from the rust of human mixtures.5.
A disease in grain, a kind of dust which gathers on the stalks and leaves.RUST
, v.i.1.
To contract rust; to be oxydized and contract a roughness on the surface.Our armors now may rust.
2.
To degenerate in idleness; to become dull by inaction.Must I rust in Egypt?
3.
To gather dust or extraneous matter.RUST
, v.t.1.
To cause to contract rust.Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.
2.
To impair by time and inactivity.