Ferrous

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Ferrous, in the chemical science realm, indicates a bivalent iron compound (+2 oxidation state) (as opposed to ferric, which indicates a trivalent iron compound (+3 oxidation state)).[1]

Outside of chemical science, ferrous is an adjective used to indicate the presence of iron.[1] The word is derived from the Latin word ferrum (iron).[2] Ferrous metals include steel and pig iron (which contain a few percent of carbon) and alloys of iron with other metals (such as stainless steel.)

The term non-ferrous is used to indicate metals other than iron and alloys that do not contain an appreciable amount of iron.[3]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Ferrous, <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferrous>. Retrieved on 04-19-2008 .
  2. ^ Etymology (Meaning of Words), 11-30-2007, <http://en.allexperts.com/q/Etymology-Meaning-Words-1474/Origin-word-1.htm>. Retrieved on 04-19-2008 .
  3. ^ Non ferrous, <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/non%20ferrous>. Retrieved on 04-19-2008 .


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