ammonia

noun

am·​mo·​nia ə-ˈmō-nyə 

1

: a pungent colorless gaseous alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen NH₃ that is very soluble in water and can easily be condensed to a liquid by cold and pressure

2

: ammonia water

Examples of ammonia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, blending bleach and ammonia results in the production of chloramine gas, while bleach and vinegar will create chlorine gas—both of which are toxic to breathe in. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2023

Other forms of renewable power including green methanol and ammonia are far more expensive than fossil fuels and still do release some emissions. —Devika Rao, The Week, 24 Aug. 2023

Milwaukee Water Utility uses chloramines, a mix of chlorine and ammonia, in its delivery of lake water. —Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2023

PtX products such as methanol and ammonia would be even easier to transport than hydrogen, whether via pipeline or ship. —Matthias Mueller, IEEE Spectrum, 19 Aug. 2023

In addition, the water present is likely mixed with substances like ammonia and salts, both of which are known to lower the freezing point of water significantly and keep it in liquid form at much lower temperatures than usual. —Jackie Appel, Popular Mechanics, 11 May 2023

Farming can also worsen air pollution, resulting from the ammonia that are released by sources like manure and fertilizer. —Alexander Tin, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2023

Hydrants were opened to help dispel the ammonia while crews attempted to enter the building to shut off gas valves. —Vivian La, Chicago Tribune, 27 July 2023

Municipal American water treatment often involves chlorine, ammonia, fluoride, and phosphoric acid, with the latter acting as a defense against other contaminants like bacteria. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 19 Aug. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, derivative based on Latin sal ammōniacus "rock salt," literally, "salt of Ammon," from ammōniacus "of Ammon," borrowed from Greek ammōniakós, derivative of Ámmōn, an Egyptian deity identified by the Greeks with Zeus, borrowed from Egyptian ỉmn; from its having been extracted near an oracle of Ammon near the Siwa oasis in Egypt

Note: The identification of sal ammoniac, not well described by ancient authors, as ammonium chloride was apparently part of medieval alchemical tradition.

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ammonia

• ammonia water

• ammonia water

Kids Definition

ammonia

noun

am·​mo·​nia ə-ˈmō-nyə 

1

: a colorless gas that is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, has a sharp smell and taste, is easily dissolved in water, can easily be made a liquid by cold and pressure, is used to make ice, fertilizers, and explosives, and is the chief nitrogen-containing waste product of many organisms that live in water

2

: a solution of ammonia in water

ammoniacal

ˌam-ə-ˈnī-ə-kəl

adjective

Etymology

from Latin sal ammoniacus "ammonium chloride," literally "salt of Ammon," named for the Egyptian god Ammon near whose temple the salt was extracted

Medical Definition

ammonia

noun

am·​mo·​nia ə-ˈmō-nyə 

1

: a pungent colorless gaseous alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen NH₃ that is very soluble in water and can easily be condensed to a liquid by cold and pressure

2

: ammonia water