Corrosion vs. Rusting — What's the Difference?

Corrosion is a natural process that converts a refined metal into a more chemically stable form such as oxide, hydroxide, carbonate or sulfide. It is the gradual destruction of materials (usually a metal) by chemical and/or electrochemical reaction with their environment.

Any of various powdery or scaly reddish-brown or reddish-yellow hydrated ferric oxides and hydroxides formed on iron and iron-containing materials by low-temperature oxidation in the presence of water.

The act or process of corroding.

Any of various metallic coatings, especially oxides, formed by corrosion.

The condition produced by corroding.

A stain or coating resembling iron rust.

A substance, such as rust, formed by corroding.

Deterioration, as of ability, resulting from inactivity or neglect.

The act of corroding or the condition so produced.

Rust fungus.

A substance (such as rust) so formed.

A plant disease caused by a rust fungus, characterized by reddish or brownish spots on leaves, stems, and other parts.

(chemistry) Erosion by chemical action, especially oxidation.

A strong brown.

(by extension) The gradual destruction or undermining of something.

To become corroded.

The action or effect of corrosive agents, or the process of corrosive change; as, the rusting of iron is a variety of corrosion.

To deteriorate or degenerate through inactivity or neglect

A state of deterioration in metals caused by oxidation or chemical action

To become the color of rust.

Erosion by chemical action

(Botany) To develop a disease caused by a rust fungus.

To corrode or subject (a metal) to rust formation.

To impair or spoil, as by misuse or inactivity.

To color (something) a strong brown.

Present participle of rust

The development of rust on a surface.

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