1. The formation of reddish-brown ferric oxides on iron by low-temperature oxidation in the presence of water
   "The rusting of the old car accelerated after it was left outside";
   - rust

1. Become destroyed by water, air, or a corrosive such as an acid
   "The pipes rusted";
   - corrode
    
2. Become coated with oxide
   "The old car rusted in the damp garage"
    
3. Cause to deteriorate due to the action of water, air, or an acid
   "The steady dripping of water rusted the metal stopper in the sink";
   - corrode, eat

Derived forms: rustings

Type of: corroding, corrosion, crumble, damage, decay, dilapidate, erosion, oxidate, oxidation, oxidisation [Brit], oxidise [Brit], oxidization, oxidize

Encyclopedia: Rusting