A metal described as "ferrous" primarily contains which element?

In the context of metallurgy, the term "ferrous" specifically refers to materials that primarily contain iron. The root of the term derives from the Latin word "ferrum," which means iron. Ferrous alloys and metals are typically known for their magnetic properties and strength, often making them a fundamental part of various applications in construction, manufacturing, and engineering. Steel, often viewed as a ferrous material itself, is actually an alloy that usually contains iron along with carbon and other elements. While aluminum and copper are valuable in their own right, they do not contain iron and thus do not fall under the "ferrous" category. Therefore, the correct identification of a metal described as "ferrous" is one that includes iron as its primary element, making it clear that the correct answer is indeed related to iron.