ferric oxide

noun

: the red or black oxide of iron Fe2O3 found in nature as hematite and as rust and also obtained synthetically and used especially in magnetic materials, as a pigment, and for polishing

Examples of ferric oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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What’s more, the nanoscale particles could be made from readily available, inexpensive minerals, such as ferric oxide and gamma manganese dioxide for the anode and cathode materials, respectively. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Dec. 2023 Two irons and three oxygens make ferric oxide, or Fe2O3—a complete picture that’s hard to pull apart. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ferric oxide was in 1851

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Cite this Entry

“Ferric oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferric%20oxide. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

ferric oxide

noun
: the red or black oxide of iron found in nature as hematite and as rust

Medical Definition

ferric oxide

noun
: the red or black oxide of iron Fe2O3 found in nature as hematite and as rust and also obtained synthetically and used as a pigment and for polishing
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