Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
-ous
1.
An adjective suffix meaning
full of
, abounding in
, having
, possessing the qualities of
, like
; as in gracious, abounding in grace; arduous, full of ardor; bulbous, having bulbs, bulblike; riotous, poisonous, piteous, joyous, etc. 2.
(Chem.)
A suffix denoting that the element indicated by the name bearing it, has a valence lower than that denoted by the termination
-ic
; as, nitr
ous
, mercurous
, ferrous
, sulphurous
, etc., as contrasted with nitric
, mercuric
, ferric
, sulphuric
, etc.Definition 2024
-ous
-ous
See also: ous
English
Alternative forms
- -ious
- -atous
Suffix
-ous
- Used to form adjectives from nouns.
- (chemistry) Used in chemical nomenclature to name chemical compounds in which a specified chemical element has a lower oxidation number than in the equivalent compound whose name ends in the suffix -ic. For example sulphuric acid (H2SO4) has more oxygen atoms per molecule than sulphurous acid (H2SO3). See Inorganic nomenclature.
Synonyms
Derived terms
<a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs14 CategoryTreeLabelCategory' href='/wiki/Category:English_words_suffixed_with_-ous'>English words suffixed with -ous</a>
Related terms
Translations
Note - translations of English words ending in -ous do not necessarily end in the suffixes listed below.
suffix to form adjectives
chemical compounds in which a specified chemical element has a lower oxidation number