rusting

Verb

rust (third-person singular simple present rusts, present participle rusting, simple past and past participle rusted)

1. (intransitive) To oxidize, especially of iron or steel.
   • The patio furniture had rusted in the wind-driven spray.
2. (transitive) To cause to oxidize.
   • The wind-driven spray had thoroughly rusted the patio furniture.
3. (intransitive) To be affected with the parasitic fungus called rust.
   • I am sorry to say that, contrary to the majority, I have to report that the forage rusted rather badly.1902 January 3, “Mapstone Oats: Further Experiences”, in The Agricultural Journal and Mining Record, volume 4, number 22, page 688
4. (ambitransitive, figuratively) To (cause to) degenerate in idleness; to make or become dull or impaired by inaction.
   • My knowledge of Spanish has rusted over the years.
5. (intransitive) Of a black cat or its fur, to turn rust-coloured following long periods of exposure to sunlight.
   • It's very common for black cats to rust during the summer.

See all 15 meanings of rust