-ous

adjective suffix

1

: full of : abounding in : having : possessing the qualities of

clamorous

poisonous

2

: having a valence lower than in compounds or ions named with an adjective ending in -ic

mercurous

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French -us, -ous, from Latin -osus

Kids Definition

-ous

adjective suffix

əs

1

: full of : having plenty of

clamorous

2

: having : possessing the qualities of

poisonous

Etymology

derived from Latin -osus (adjective suffix)