ammonium

noun

am·​mo·​ni·​um ə-ˈmō-nē-əm 

: an ion NH₄⁺ derived from ammonia by combination with a hydrogen ion and known in compounds (such as salts) that resemble in properties the compounds of the alkali metals

Examples of ammonium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The stable isotope analysis can determine whether the nitrogen, predominantly ammonium, is from animal wastes. —Nicole Kirchhoff, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2024

Common ones to look for in ingredient labels include sodium laureth or lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and cocamidopropyl betaine. —Sarah Bradley, Parents, 20 May 2024

Harsh detergents: Shampoos with stripping ingredients, such as ammonium lauryl sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate, can be harsh on the scalp and may worsen seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. —April Benshosan, Verywell Health, 9 May 2024

Decomposers play a critical role recycling organic forms of nitrogen such as proteins into inorganic forms such as ammonium and nitrate that microbes and plants can use. —Jennifer Debruyn, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from ammonia

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ammonium

• ammonium carbonate
• ammonium chloride
• ammonium cyanate
• ammonium hydroxide
• ammonium nitrate
• ammonium phosphate
• ammonium sulfate
• ferric ammonium citrate
• quaternary ammonium compound

Kids Definition

ammonium

noun

am·​mo·​ni·​um ə-ˈmō-nē-əm 

: an ion that comes from the combination of ammonia with a hydrogen ion

Medical Definition

ammonium

noun

am·​mo·​ni·​um ə-ˈmō-nē-əm 

: an ion NH₄⁺ derived from ammonia by combination with a hydrogen ion and known in organic compounds (as quaternary ammonium compounds) and in compounds (as salts) that resemble in properties the compounds of the alkali metals