The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Rust \Rust\, n. [AS. rust; akin to D. roest, G. & Sw. rost,
Icel. ry[eth]; -- named from its color, and akin to E. red.
[root]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.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Rust is also applied to many other minute fungi which
infest vegetation, such as the species of Ustilago,
Uredo, and Lecythea.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
Sacred truths cleared from all rust and dross of
human mixtures. --Eikon
Basilike.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Rust is used in the formation of compounds of obvious
meaning; as, rust-colored, rust-consumed, rust-eaten,
and the like.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]