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Synonyms

ferrous

American  
[fer-uhs] / ˈfɛr əs /

adjective

Chemistry.

  1. of or containing iron, especially in the bivalent state.

ferrous British  
/ ˈfɛrəs /

adjective

  1. of or containing iron in the divalent state; designating an iron (II) compound

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
ferrous Scientific  
/ fĕr′əs /

  1. Containing iron, especially iron with a valence of 2.

  2. Compare ferric

Other Word Forms

  • preferrous adjective

Etymology

Origin of ferrous

1860–65; < Latin ferr ( um ) iron + -ous

Compare meaning

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The transformation from hydrated ferrous sulfates to ferric hydroxysulfate occurs only when temperatures exceed 100°C, far hotter than typical Martian surface conditions.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

Existing evidence suggests supplements are a more effective way to replenish iron stores than dietary changes alone and ferrous sulfate is the most effective iron supplement for young children.

From Salon • Sep. 13, 2023

The recycler of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal reported weak fiscal third-quarter revenue.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 27, 2023

Conversely, Earth’s ferrous nucleus may have a metamorphosing surface, twisting any seismic waves that pierce it.

From New York Times • Jan. 23, 2023

Large ferrous appliances, such as the wheeled metal canisters for liquid nitrogen known as Dewar flasks, had to be chained in place.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.