rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryferrousIron-related
adjective

ferrous

FAIR-us/ˈferəs/

Containing, made from, or relating to iron.

The magnet attracts the ferrous nails and filings, some speckled with rust.

A magnet attracting rust-speckled iron nails and iron filings, showing the characteristic magnetic response and reddish-brown corrosion of iron-containing material.
Etymology
ferrLatiniron
+ousLatinmade of

The pieces express “made of iron,” the meaning of Latin ferreus. English uses the adjective more broadly for things containing or relating to iron, with a specialized chemical use for iron of valence two.

In context

How It Runs5:47
is one of the easiest materials to recover because it reacts strongly to a magnetic field an overhead magnet or magnetic drum pulls steel food cans bottle caps and other ferrous objects away from the conveyor
How Recycling Plants Sort Mixed Waste in Seconds

More examples

  • Steel is a common ferrous alloy.
  • The factory sends its ferrous scrap to a local foundry.
  • The coating protects ferrous surfaces from rust.

Forms

nonferrous adjective — Not containing iron as a principal component.

Similar words

iron
Iron describes the material directly; ferrous also covers iron-containing alloys.
metallic
Metallic relates to any metal, not specifically to iron.