-ous definition

<suffix>

1. A suffix used to form adjectives meaning abounding in, characterized by, of the nature of (envious; glorious; mountainous; poisonous).

2. <chemistry> A suffix denoting that the element indicated by the name bearing it, has a valence lower than that denoted by the termination -ic; as, nitrous, mercurous, ferrous, sulphurous, etc., as contrasted with nitric, mercuric, ferric, sulphuric.

Origin: from or suggested by Anglo-French -ous, Old French -eus, from Latin -osus

(06 Feb 2009)

<suffix>

1. A combining form or suffix that means 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. <chemistry> A suffix denoting that the element indicated by the name bearing it, has a valence lower than that denoted by the termination -ic; as, nitrous, sulphurous, etc, as contrasted with nitric, sulphuric, etc.

Origin: OF. -ous, us, -os, F. -eux, fr. L. -osus, and -us. Cf. -ose.

(29 Oct 1998)