adj
ferrous
FEH-ruhs
adj
1
Containing or relating to iron.
"Ferrous metals like steel are attracted to magnets, unlike aluminium."
2
In chemistry, describing iron compounds where the iron has a +2 charge.
"Ferrous sulfate is often prescribed to treat iron-deficiency anaemia."
How to Use Ferrous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to iron — "ferrous metals" is a common term in recycling and metalwork for iron-based materials.
Common mistake
Ferrous (containing iron) is easily confused with "ferocious" (fierce) — they look similar but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
ferrous metal
ferrous sulfate
non-ferrous
Word Forms
more ferrous comparative, most ferrous superlative
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_____ metals like steel are attracted to magnets, unlike aluminium.
Etymology
From Latin ferrum, "iron."