ferruginous
Americanadjective
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Geology. iron-bearing.
ferruginous clays.
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of the color of iron rust.
adjective
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(of minerals, rocks, etc) containing iron
a ferruginous clay
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rust-coloured
Etymology
Origin of ferruginous
1655–65; < Latin ferrūginus rust-colored, derivative of ferrūgin-, stem of ferrūgō iron-rust, derivative of ferrum iron; -ous
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That last choice of prey can get the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl into trouble; when other bird species recognize its distinctive whistled call, they sometimes mob to harass it.
From Salon • Dec. 15, 2023
In that letter, Hones also lists concerns about other sensitive species that use the area, such as ferruginous hawks, and suggested the project be moved 15 miles to the northeast.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 13, 2022
Others come in one of the nearly infinite shades of brown that tax the vocabulary of avian taxonomists: rufous, fulvous, ferruginous, bran-coloured, foxy.
From The Guardian • Mar. 23, 2018
Authorities say the annual Christmas Bird Count in the Twin Falls area has counted only 14 ferruginous hawks in the past 35 years.
From Washington Times • Jan. 31, 2016
Berru Hill, on account of its height, its sulphurous and ferruginous waters, flint quarries, and fertile soil, was inhabited in pre-historic times.
From Rheims and the Battles for its Possession Illustrated Michelin Guides to the Battle-Fields (1914-1918) by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
