ferric

adjective

fer·​ric ˈfer-ik How to pronounce ferric (audio)
ˈfe-rik
1
: of, relating to, or containing iron
2
: being or containing iron usually with a valence of three

Examples of ferric 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.
Ferrous salts, including ferrous gluconate, glycinate, and sulfate, are absorbed more effectively than ferric salts and are the preferred option. Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2025 Using data gathered by Mars orbiters, Bishop and her team studied sites with an odd spectral signature — that of an iron-bearing mineral called a ferric hydroxysulfate. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 8 Aug. 2025 There were ferric hillocks of oxidized green and chasms that tore through flat earth, at the bottom of which a ribbon of river caught the sunlight. Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025 The scientists proceeded to mix ferric nitrate with potassium hydroxide, creating a hard iron oxide mineral called nanocrystalline ferrihydrite, which occurs naturally in soil and water. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 29 Apr. 2025 Today, black salt is commonly made by combining sodium chloride with trace amounts of sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, and ferric sulfate with charcoal.13 Despite its name, black salt usually has a pinkish-gray or pinkish-brown color. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ferric was in 1799

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Cite this Entry

“Ferric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferric. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

ferric

adjective
fer·​ric ˈfer-ik How to pronounce ferric (audio)
: of, relating to, or containing iron

Medical Definition

ferric

adjective
fer·​ric ˈfer-ik How to pronounce ferric (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or containing iron
2
: being or containing iron usually with a valence of three

More from Merriam-Webster on ferric

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