ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ferrous

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈfɛɹəs// UK //fˈɛɹəs// fer·rous

adj. containing iron. You use this word to describe metals or minerals that have iron in them.

adj. containing or consisting of iron. Often used in technical contexts to distinguish iron-based compounds from non-iron ones.


SIMPLE

Steel is a common ferrous metal used in construction.

CONTEXTUAL

The laboratory tested the soil samples to determine the level of ferrous compounds present in the groundwater.

COMPLEX

In metallurgy, the distinction between ferrous and non-ferrous materials is fundamental, as the presence of iron significantly alters the magnetic properties and corrosion resistance of the alloy.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin ferrum (“iron”).

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