ferrous sulfate
LowTechnical/Medical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A chemical compound used medicinally as an iron supplement, with the formula FeSO₄.
A green, crystalline salt of iron(II) and sulfuric acid used industrially in water treatment, ink manufacture, and as a reducing agent, and medically to treat iron-deficiency anaemia.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to the iron(II) salt. The term 'iron(II) sulfate' is more chemically precise in scientific contexts. Often used interchangeably with its heptahydrate form (FeSO₄·7H₂O), commonly known as 'copperas' or 'green vitriol' in historical/industrial contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British 'sulphate', American 'sulfate'. Pronunciation of the 'sulfate/sulphate' component differs accordingly.
Connotations
Identical technical and medical connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse, but standard in relevant technical fields in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject: Patient] + take + ferrous sulfate[Subject: Doctor] + prescribe + ferrous sulfate + for [condition][Subject: Water] + be treated with + ferrous sulfateVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing/supply catalogs.
Academic
In chemistry, pharmacology, medicine, and environmental science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Primarily in patient-doctor conversations or pharmacy instructions regarding iron supplements.
Technical
Precise term in chemical synthesis, water treatment processes, and medical formulations.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor gave me pills for my iron. They are called ferrous sulfate.
- If you have low iron, your doctor might recommend taking ferrous sulfate tablets.
- The patient's anaemia improved significantly after a six-week course of ferrous sulfate.
- Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate is employed in the reduction of chromate in cement and as a precursor to other iron compounds.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FERROus = contains IRON (from Latin 'ferrum'), SULFATE = from sulfuric acid. So, 'iron sulfate'.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICINE IS A CHEMICAL (The treatment is conceptualised as a specific molecular compound).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct calque 'сернокислое железо' is archaic/technical; the standard medical term is 'сульфат железа' or more commonly 'железо' in the context of supplements (e.g., препараты железа).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'ferrous' (Fe²⁺) with 'ferric' (Fe³⁺).
- Misspelling 'sulfate/sulphate'.
- Pronouncing 'ferrous' as /ˈfɛr.ɒs/ instead of /ˈfɛr.əs/.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary medical use of ferrous sulfate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a chemical compound that contains iron in a form that the body can absorb and use.
Common side effects can include constipation, nausea, stomach upset, and dark stools.
In many countries, lower-strength ferrous sulfate is available over-the-counter as a dietary supplement.
'Ferrous' comes from the Latin 'ferrum' for iron and specifically denotes iron in its +2 oxidation state (Fe²⁺).