Why is Ferroelectricity Named After Iron?

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The term "ferroelectricity" derives its prefix "ferro" from its analogy to "ferromagnetism," despite having no direct connection to iron or ferrous materials. Ferroelectricity refers to the ability of certain materials to exhibit spontaneous electric polarization that can be reversed by an external electric field. This concept was established in 1920 when Valasek discovered ferroelectric properties in Rochelle salt. The use of "ferro" reflects the historical context of the term, as ferromagnetism was already recognized at that time, leading to the adoption of the prefix to describe similar properties in electrical materials. Most ferroelectric materials do not actually contain iron.
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In the word "Ferroelectricity", why has the word "ferro" been used when it has nothing to do with ferrous or iron?
 
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Ferroelectricity is a property of certain materials that have a spontaneous electric polarization that can be reversed by the application of an external electric field.[1][2] The term is used in analogy to ferromagnetism, in which a material exhibits a permanent magnetic moment. Ferromagnetism was already known when ferroelectricity was discovered in 1920 in Rochelle salt by Valasek.[3] Thus, the prefix ferro, meaning iron, was used to describe the property despite the fact that most ferroelectric materials do not contain iron.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferroelectricity
 
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