ferrous

adjective

fer·​rous ˈfer-əs How to pronounce ferrous (audio)
ˈfe-rəs
1
: of, relating to, or containing iron
2
: being or containing divalent iron

Examples of ferrous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Magnets are used to pick out ferrous metals, such as steel. Alex Jordan, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025 Most importantly, induction cookware must be made of or at least contain ferrous metals. Laura Denby, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2024 For example, ferrous sulfate contains roughly 20% elemental iron compared to ferrous fumarate, which is 33% elemental iron. Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2025 Common types include ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferric citrate, and ferric sulfate.2 Research shows that ferrous iron is absorbed better than ferric iron. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ferrous

Word History

Etymology

New Latin ferrosus, from Latin ferrum

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ferrous was in 1755

Cite this Entry

“Ferrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferrous. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

ferrous

adjective
fer·​rous ˈfer-əs How to pronounce ferrous (audio)
: of, relating to, or containing iron

Medical Definition

ferrous

adjective
fer·​rous ˈfer-əs How to pronounce ferrous (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or containing iron
2
: being or containing iron with a valence of two
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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