The term GRADUAL DECAY FROM RUSTING can be summarized as CORROSION, which is a process of gradual destruction of materials, usually metals, due to chemical reactions with their environment. Rusting is a specific type of CORROSION that occurs when iron or its alloys are exposed to oxygen and moisture, resulting in the formation of rust. Rusting is a common problem for many metal objects, and it can cause significant damage if left unchecked.