Amine
/ˈæm.iːn/noun
An organic compound or class of compounds derived from ammonia by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with organic groups.
Did you know?The word was coined in modern chemistry from ammonia, whose name ultimately comes from the ancient Egyptian god Amun, so this scientific term carries a surprisingly ancient deity shadow.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Egypt
Egyptian
Amun
“A major deity whose name was later linked to the source of ammonia-related terms”
Classical Latin
Latin
sal ammoniacum
“'salt of Ammon,' the mineral ammonium chloride associated with the oasis of Ammon”
Late Latin
Latin
ammoniacum
“Related to ammoniac salt or ammonia-like substances”
18th Century
French
amine
“A modern chemical term formed in scientific nomenclature for compounds derived from ammonia”
Modern English
English
amine
“An organic derivative of ammonia”