The -ic suffix in chemistry denotes a higher oxidation state of multivalent transition metal ions, contrasting with the -ous suffix, which indicates a lower oxidation state. For example, ferric corresponds to iron (III) or Fe+3, while ferrous relates to iron (II) or Fe+2. This nomenclature applies similarly to other metals, such as plumbic (Pb+4) versus plumbous (Pb+2) and cupric (Cu+2) versus cuprous (Cu+). Additionally, the -ic and -ous suffixes are used in naming acids derived from -ate and -ite anions, respectively, such as nitric acid (HNO3) from nitrate (NO3-) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) from phosphate (PO4-3). Understanding these suffixes is essential for correctly interpreting chemical compound names and their corresponding oxidation states.