What is "rust mite"

Rust \Rust\, n. [AS. rust; akin to D. roest, G. & Sw. rost, Icel. ry[eth]; -- named from its color, and akin to E. 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.

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.

   Note: Rust is also applied to many other minute fungi which infest vegetation, such as the species of Ustilago, Uredo, and Lecythea.

3. That which resembles rust in appearance or effects. Specifically:

   1. A composition used in making a rust joint. See Rust joint, below.

   2. Foul matter arising from degeneration; as, rust on salted meat.

   3. Corrosive or injurious accretion or influence.

      Sacred truths cleared from all rust and dross of human mixtures.
      --Eikon Basilike.

      Note: Rust is used in the formation of compounds of obvious meaning; as, rust-colored, rust-consumed, rust-eaten, and the like.

      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 (Zo["o]l.), a minute mite ( Phytopius oleivorus) which, by puncturing the rind, causes the rust-colored patches on oranges.

n. 1 A mite of the family (taxlink Eriophyidae family noshow=1) found on ''Cirsium arvense'', the Canada thistle, ''(taxlink Aceria anthocoptes species noshow=1). 2 According to Webster's 1913 edition, a mite which, by puncturing the rind, causes the rust-coloured patches on oranges, (taxlink Phytoptus oleivorus species noshow=1). Currently this mite seems to be known by some other common and taxonomic name. According to other sources the genus is (taxlink Phytoptus species noshow=1).

n. any of several varieties of mite that burrow into plants and cause a reddish-brown discoloration on the leaves or fruit