Ammonal
/ˈæmənəl/noun
A powerful explosive made from ammonium nitrate mixed with aluminum powder and other ingredients.
Did you know?Ammonal gets its name from ammonium compounds, and “ammonium” ultimately comes from sal ammoniac, which was associated with the temple of Amun at the Siwa Oasis in Egypt.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Egypt
Egyptian
Jmn
“The name of the god Amun, associated with hiddenness and divine power.”
Classical Antiquity
Greek
ammoniakon
“A salt from the region of Amun’s oracle at Siwa, later linked to sal ammoniac.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
sal ammoniacum
“Ammoniac salt; ammonium chloride used in alchemy and trade.”
18th Century
French
ammoniaque
“Ammonia, the pungent alkali obtained from ammonium salts.”
Early 20th Century
English
ammonal
“A high explosive containing ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder.”
Explore more surprising origins