ammonium nitrate

noun

: a colorless crystalline salt NH₄NO₃ used in explosives and fertilizers and in veterinary medicine

Examples of ammonium nitrate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The blast, powerful enough to be felt in nearby countries, was triggered by the ignition of a huge supply of ammonium nitrate improperly stored at the port. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026

Other processes could turn it into dry fertilizers like urea and ammonium nitrate and liquid solutions combining the nitrogen phosphate nutrients. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026

The fires ignited two trailers containing thousands of pounds of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, causing two explosions. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2026

Authorities also recovered explosive materials and components to include thermite, ammonium nitrate, magnesium ribbon, metal pipes, and gasoline. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ammonium nitrate

• borosilicate
• decontaminate
• deoxycholate
• deteriorate
• differentiate
• diisocyanate
• dinoflagellate
• excommunicate
• incapacitate
• insubordinate
• intercorporate
• interpenetrate

Kids Definition

ammonium nitrate

noun

: a colorless crystalline salt used in explosives and fertilizers

Medical Definition

ammonium nitrate

noun

: a colorless crystalline salt NH₄NO₃ used in explosives and fertilizers and in veterinary medicine as an expectorant and urinary acidifier