-iferous
suffix
UK/ɪˈfɛr.əs/US/ɪˈfɪr.əs/
Used to form adjectives indicating the bearing, producing, or containing of a particular substance or quality (from Latin ‘-fer,’ meaning ‘bearing’). Examples include ‘calciferous’ (containing or producing calcium) and ‘vociferous’ (carrying a loud, vocal quality).
Example Sentences
Calciferous soils are rich in lime, often making them ideal for certain agricultural crops.
Vociferous protesters can draw public attention through loud chants and fervent demonstrations.
Siliciferous rock formations contain significant amounts of silica, influencing their hardness and geological properties.
Fossiliferous layers reveal an abundance of preserved remains, providing paleontologists with valuable insights into ancient ecosystems.
The suffix '-iferous' highlights the idea of carrying or containing a particular quality, substance, or characteristic.
Stratigraphers studying ore deposits often focus on metalliferous veins, which carry valuable metals like gold or silver.
In botany, the presence of resiniferous ducts allows certain plants to secrete sticky substances for protection against pests.
Understanding '-iferous' terminology can shed light on an object’s composition and traits, whether it's a loud characteristic in speech (vociferous) or the presence of minerals in geological layers (calciferous, metalliferous).
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix meaning 'bearing,' 'producing,' or 'containing.'The suffix '-iferous' is used to form adjectives that describe something as bearing, producing, or containing a specific quality or substance. Examples include 'coniferous' (bearing cones), 'calciferous' (containing calcium), and 'odoriferous' (bearing or producing an odor). It is commonly used in scientific and descriptive contexts to convey the presence or production of a particular element or quality.
Alternatives
Alternatives to '-iferous' include phrases like 'containing' or 'producing,' such as 'cone-bearing' instead of 'coniferous.'
Writing
In writing, '-iferous' adds specificity and formality, especially in scientific or descriptive contexts. For example, 'fossiliferous' clearly describes rock containing fossils.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-iferous' is rarely used. Simpler terms or phrases, like 'calcium-rich' instead of 'calciferous,' are more commonly understood.
