Often used in industrial or material science contexts to describe iron-containing substances.

Material Context

Ferrous materials are usually magnetic, so the term hints at this property.

Magnetic Properties

Ferrous metals tend to rust, something to remember in contexts like engineering.

Ferrous in chemistry refers specifically to iron ions with a +2 charge.

Ferrous compounds often impart distinctive colors, useful in identifying chemical reactions.

When you hear ferrous, think of iron having lost two electrons (oxidation state of +2).