ferruginous

adjective

fer·​ru·​gi·​nous fə-ˈrü-jə-nəs How to pronounce ferruginous (audio)
fe-
1
: of, relating to, or containing iron
a ferruginous soil
2
: resembling iron rust in color

Examples of ferruginous 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.
Derivation and meaning: The name Sienna is derived from the English word sienna, referring to a kind of ferruginous earth used as a pigment in painting. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025 Unlike many of Arizona's birds, cactus ferruginous pygmy owls do not migrate or fly great distances. — Lindsey Botts, The Arizona Republic, 20 Feb. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Latin ferrugineus, ferruginus, from ferrugin-, ferrugo iron rust, from ferrum

First Known Use

circa 1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ferruginous was circa 1661

Phrases Containing ferruginous

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Cite this Entry

“Ferruginous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferruginous. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

ferruginous

adjective
fer·​ru·​gi·​nous fə-ˈrü-jə-nəs, fe- How to pronounce ferruginous (audio)
variants or ferrugineous
ˌfer-(y)u̇-ˈjin-ē-əs How to pronounce ferruginous (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or containing iron
2
: resembling iron rust in color
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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