Origin of rust

before 900; (noun) Middle English; Old English rūst; cognate with German Rost; (v.) Middle English rusten, derivative of the noun; akin to red1

SYNONYMS FOR rust

OTHER WORDS FROM rust

de·rust, verb (used with object) un·rust, verb (used with object)

British Dictionary definitions for derust

rust
/ (rʌst) /

noun

a reddish-brown oxide coating formed on iron or steel by the action of oxygen and moisture
Also called: rust fungus plant pathol
  1. any basidiomycetous fungus of the order Uredinales, parasitic on cereal plants, conifers, etc
  2. any of various plant diseases characterized by reddish-brown discoloration of the leaves and stem, esp that caused by the rust fungi
  1. a strong brown colour, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish tinge
  2. (as adjective)a rust carpet
any corrosive or debilitating influence, esp lack of use

verb

to become or cause to become coated with a layer of rust
to deteriorate or cause to deteriorate through some debilitating influence or lack of use he allowed his talent to rust over the years

Derived forms of rust

rustless, adjective

Word Origin for rust

Old English rūst; related to Old Saxon, Old High German rost

Medical definitions for derust

rust
[ rŭst ]

n.

Any of a group of parasitic fungi of the order Uredinales that are plant pathogens, especially of cereal grains, and that can produce allergy in humans when inhaled in large numbers.

Scientific definitions for derust

rust
[ rŭst ]

Noun

Any of the various reddish-brown oxides of iron that form on iron and many of its alloys when they are exposed to oxygen in the presence of moisture.
  1. Any of various basidiomycete fungi that are parasitic on plants and produce reddish or brownish spots on leaves. Rusts attack a wide variety of plants and can cause enormous damage to crops.
  2. Any of the various plant diseases caused by these fungi.

Verb

To become corroded or oxidized.