Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
-ous
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.)
A suffix denoting that the element indicated by the name bearing it, has a valence lower than that denoted by the termination
-ic
; as, nitr
ous
, mercurous
, ferrous
, sulphurous
, etc., as contrasted with nitric
, mercuric
, ferric
, sulphuric
, etc.