Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
cerous

cerous

1 9.9
Relating to or containing the metal cerium in the +3 state
  • adjective
  • /ˈsɪrəs/
  • Specialized
: ceroso
  • Unlike ceric salts, cerous salts contain cerium in the +3 oxidation state.

Examples

  • The chemist studied several cerous compounds to observe their unique properties.

  • Cerous oxide is used in various catalytic applications within the industry.

  • The cerous compounds were analyzed in the laboratory.

  • In chemistry, cerous ions play a crucial role.

  • Cerous oxide is commonly used in glass manufacturing due to its unique properties.

  • The scientist prepared a cerous solution to demonstrate its behavior in reactions.

  • Many cerous salts are utilized in the development of new materials for high-tech applications.

Surface Forms

cerous positive

Morphology

cerous = cerium (semi-transparent) = cerium + ous

Formed from the element name 'cerium' plus '-ous'; relation to the element is clear but the specific chemical meaning (lower oxidation state) is technical.

Etymology

Cerous comes from the element cerium, which was named after Ceres, a small planet, and the ending -ous in older chemical names means the 'lower' or less charged form. So cerous means cerium with a +3 charge, the 'lower' charge state, just like ferrous means iron with a lower charge.