ferrous vs. ferric

ferrous vs. ferric: 's the difference?

Ferrous and ferric both describe something made of or containing iron, with ferrous the more common adjective. In chemistry, the distinction between the endings -ic and -ous is utilized generally to refer to a higher (-ic) or lower (-ous) valence. Therefore, ferrous refers to iron having two valences, and ferric refers to it with three.

ferrous

adjective

Chemistry.
  1. of or containing iron, especially in the bivalent state.

ferric

adjective

Chemistry.
  1. of or containing iron, especially in the trivalent state.