ferrous

/'ferəs/

Thân thiện

A magnet attracts several ferrous nails on a wooden table.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or containing iron: The word "ferrous" describes something that is related to iron or contains iron in its composition. It is primarily used in chemistry and metallurgy to denote iron in its +2 oxidation state (Fe²⁺).

Usage

The adjective "ferrous" is used to specify that a material, compound, or ion contains iron, particularly in its divalent form. It is a technical term common in scientific contexts. - It is typically used attributively (before a noun). - It often contrasts with "ferric," which refers to iron in its +3 oxidation state (Fe³⁺).

Examples

• Attributive use:
  • The magnet attracted the ferrous metal. (The magnet was drawn to the metal containing iron.)
  • This water stain is caused by ferrous ions in the pipe. (The discoloration is due to dissolved iron (Fe²⁺) from the pipe.)
  • The geologist identified the rock as a ferrous mineral. (The geologist determined the rock was a mineral containing iron.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ferrous alloy": An alloy where iron is the primary constituent (e.g., steel).
  • Stainless steel is a common ferrous alloy.
• "Ferrous sulfate": A specific chemical compound containing iron(II), often used as a dietary supplement or in industrial processes.
  • Ferrous sulfate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia.
• "Non-ferrous": A term used to describe metals that do not contain iron as a principal element (e.g., copper, aluminum, gold).
  • Recycling centers separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Variants and Related Words

• Ferric (adj): Pertaining to or containing iron, especially with a +3 oxidation state (Fe³⁺).
  • Ferric oxide is commonly known as rust.
• Ferrousness (n, rare): The quality or state of being ferrous.
• Ferrite (n): A ceramic compound consisting of iron oxide combined with other metals; also a form of pure iron in some steels.

Synonyms

• Iron-containing: Having iron as a component.
• Iron(II): The specific chemical designation for the ferrous state (used in scientific nomenclature).

Antonyms

• Non-ferrous: Not containing iron.
• Ferric: Containing iron in the +3 oxidation state (this is a contrasting term rather than a strict antonym in all contexts).

Học thuật

Adjective

1. of or relating to or containing iron

Từ đồng nghĩa

• ferric