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1. The formation of reddish-brown ferric oxides on iron by low-temperature oxidation in the presence of water
   - rust

1. Become destroyed by water, air, or a corrosive such as an acid
   "The pipes rusted";
   - corrode
    
2. 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
    
3. Become coated with oxide

Derived forms: rustings

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

Encyclopedia: Rusting