Category:-ous

-ous. Etym: [of. -ous, us, -os, f. -eux, fr. L. -osus, and -us. Cf. - Ose.]

1. An adjective suffix meaning 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. (chem.)

Defn: 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.