ferrugem
1. A reddish-brown oxide that forms on iron or steel when exposed to air and moisture
The old car was covered in rust.
O carro antigo estava coberto de ferrugem.
2. To form rust; to become corroded by oxidation
The metal will rust if left in the rain.
O metal enferrujará se deixado na chuva.
3. To deteriorate or decline due to lack of use
My skills have rusted over the years.
Minhas habilidades enferrujaram ao longo dos anos.
4. A fungal disease affecting plants, particularly grains and cereals
The wheat crop was affected by rust.
A colheita de trigo foi afetada por ferrugem.
5. A reddish-brown color
She wore a rust-colored sweater.
Ela usava um suéter cor de ferrugem.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'rust' is commonly used metaphorically to describe skills that have deteriorated due to lack of practice. In agricultural contexts in Brazil, 'ferrugem' is particularly important as a crop disease threat. The term is universal in industrial and maintenance contexts across both cultures.
NYC Slang
The verb 'rust' in NYC slang can mean to become out of practice or rusty at something, similar to standard English usage
Related Idioms & Phrases
rust away - deteriorate completely due to rust or disuse
rust never sleeps - continuous oxidation or deterioration over time
shake off the rust - regain skills after a period of inactivity
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