ferrum
[ˈfɛr.rũː]
The Latin word for 'iron' is ferrum.
It is also used as a noun to denote the chemical element iron (Fe).
Meaning: to pass an iron over clothing (verb)
Which one should you use?
The related adjective ferreus is used when describing something as being 'made of iron'.
Related words
Did you know?
- In Roman literature and poetry, ferrum was frequently used as a poetic substitute for 'sword' or 'blade'.
- The origin of ferrum is so mysterious that it is linked to a wide range of Middle Eastern languages, including Hebrew, Aramaic, and Akkadian.
- Roman soldiers often used ferrum as a metonym for the act of warfare or the military life itself.
Examples in context
- Ferrum utilius est auro.Iron is more useful than gold.This sentence compares the usefulness of ferrum to gold.Tatoeba #5031042 by alexmarcelo, translation #663999 by bluepie88
- Dum ferrum candet, tundito.Strike while the iron is hot.This sentence provides a proverb about striking while the ferrum is hot.Tatoeba #405024 by carlosalberto, translation #240718 by CM
- Ferrum multo utilius est auro.Iron is much more useful than gold.This sentence emphasizes that ferrum is much more useful than gold.Tatoeba #5031094 by alexmarcelo, translation #278745 by Eldad
- Ideologiae novae augent usum ferri in constructione.New ideologies increase the use of iron in construction.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aurelia and Gaius are looking at an old sword.
- AureliaEx quo factus est hic gladius?What is this sword made of?
- GaiusEx ferro factus est.It is made of iron.
- AureliaEstne ferrum durum?Is iron hard?
- GaiusIta, ferrum durissimum est, Aurelia.Yes, iron is very hard, Aurelia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ferrum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ferrum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
