ferrous

adjective

fer·​rous ˈfer-əs 

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

In that case, try a gentler form of iron (like ferrous bisglycinate) with a meal or snack, says Moon. — Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025

The hardest part is deciding between the subtly cream clay color or the striking ferrous grey. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Nov. 2025

Non-ferrous metals, mining, and precious metals were all higher in both markets. — Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Costs for non-ferrous metal materials and wires surged 22%. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin ferrosus, from Latin ferrum

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ferrous

• ferrous sulfate

Rhymes for ferrous

• derris
• heiress
• maris
• paras
• teras
• terrace
• varus
• canaris
• embarrass
• hesperus
• nonferrous
• phalaris

Kids Definition

ferrous

adjective

fer·​rous ˈfer-əs 

: of, relating to, or containing iron

Medical Definition

ferrous

adjective

fer·​rous ˈfer-əs 

1

: of, relating to, or containing iron

2

: being or containing iron with a valence of two