ferrosoferric oxide

noun

fer·​ro·​so·​ferric oxide

fə|¦rōsə,

fe|+…-

: a black magnetic iron oxide Fe₃O₄ found in nature as magnetite, also obtained synthetically (as from iron by heating in steam or from a ferrous salt and an alkali by precipitation and oxidation), and used chiefly as a pigment and polishing material

called also iron(II,III) oxide

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary ferroso- + ferric

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!