ferric

adjective

fer·​ric ˈfer-ik How to pronounce ferric (audio)
ˈfe-rik
1
: of, relating to, or containing iron
2
: being or containing iron usually with a valence of three

Examples of ferric 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.
Ferrous iron is believed to be absorbed better than ferric iron.5 Beware of signs of an allergic reaction: Although rare, some people may be allergic to iron supplements. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2025 There are also ferric citrate and ferric sulfate forms, but they are not absorbed as easily as other forms of iron. Casey Seiden, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024 Iron is naturally found in two main forms: ferrous iron and ferric iron. Casey Seiden, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024 Here, vitamin C acts as a reducing agent, converting ferric iron (Fe3+) into ferrous iron (Fe2+), which is more easily absorbed by our bodies. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2023 When consumed together with non-heme sources of iron, such as spinach or lentils, ascorbic acid transforms ferric iron salts into ferrous bisglycinate – a more absorbable form of iron. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2023 Bluing Liquid Bluing liquid (which contains Prussian blue, or ferric ferrocyanide, and water combined) helps keep whites sparkling white. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 There are also different types of iron, including ferrous sulfate, ferric glycinate, iron bisglycinate and more. Good Housekeeping, 18 July 2023 Plus is a high-quality iron supplement that contains both ferrous and ferric iron. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ferric was in 1799

Dictionary Entries Near ferric

Cite this Entry

“Ferric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferric. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

ferric

adjective
fer·​ric ˈfer-ik How to pronounce ferric (audio)
: of, relating to, or containing iron

Medical Definition

ferric

adjective
fer·​ric ˈfer-ik How to pronounce ferric (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or containing iron
2
: being or containing iron usually with a valence of three

More from Merriam-Webster on ferric

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