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.
Note: 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 (Zoöl.), a minute mite (Phytopius oleivorus) which, by puncturing the rind, causes the rust-colored patches on oranges.
RUST
Rust, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Rusted; p. pr. & vb. n. Rusting.] Etym:
[AS. rustian.]
1. To contract rust; to be 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 rust in Egypt never more Appear in arms, and be the chief of
Greece Dryden.
RUST
Rust, v. 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. Shak.
2. Fig.: To impair by time and inactivity. Johmson.
RUSTFUL
Rust"ful, a.