ammonia
UK: əˈməʊniə | US: əˈmoʊniə
n. A colorless gas with a pungent smell, composed of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH₃), used in fertilizers and cleaning products.
n. (Chemistry) A solution of ammonia gas in water; ammonium hydroxide.
The word "ammonia" traces back to the Egyptian god Ammon (Greek: Ἄμμων), whose temple near the Libyan desert was associated with ammonium chloride deposits (sal ammoniac). The gas was first isolated near this site, and the suffix "-ia" was added to form the modern scientific term. The connection highlights how ancient cultural references influenced chemical nomenclature.
Ammonia is commonly used in household cleaning products.
The strong odor of ammonia can be detected in poorly ventilated labs.
Farmers apply ammonia-based fertilizers to enrich soil nitrogen.
Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia can irritate the respiratory system.
The chemist synthesized a new compound using ammonia as a reagent.