An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Of or containing → iron, especially in the bivalent state. More specifically, iron with → oxidation number of +2, denoted iron(II) or Fe2+.

Etymology (EN): From L. ferrum “iron,” + -ous a suffix forming adjectives that have the general sense “possessing, full of” a given quality.

Etymology (PE): Fervar, from fer, loan from Fr., + -var adj. suffix.