'rust-prone' originates from the English word 'rust' combined with the suffix '-prone', where 'rust' refers to the reddish-brown flaky coating of iron oxide and '-prone' means 'likely to suffer from'.

'rust' comes from the Old English word 'rūst', and '-prone' is derived from the Latin word 'pronus', meaning 'leaning forward'.

Initially, 'rust' referred to the process of oxidation, and '-prone' indicated susceptibility. Together, they describe a tendency to rust.