'rust-resistant' originates from the combination of 'rust' and 'resistant', where 'rust' refers to the reddish-brown coating formed on iron or steel by oxidation, and 'resistant' means having the ability to withstand or oppose something.

'rust-resistant' evolved from the need to describe materials that could withstand rust, combining the words 'rust' and 'resistant' in modern English.

Initially, it meant 'able to withstand rust', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.