Ammonia
/əˈmoʊ.ni.ə/noun
A pungent colorless gas or liquid solution of nitrogen and hydrogen, widely used in cleaning and industry.
Did you know?The word comes from a Latin phrase meaning “salt of Ammon,” because early chemists linked the substance to deposits near the temple of Ammon in Egypt.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Egypt
Egyptian/Greek
Ammon
“The name of a major god identified by Greeks with Zeus/Jupiter, worshipped at Siwa and other sites.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ammōniakon
“A substance associated with Ammon, especially a salt found near his temple.”
Late Latin
Latin
sal ammoniacum
“Salt of Ammon; ammonium chloride used in trade and alchemy.”
Middle English
English
ammonia
“A volatile alkaline substance obtained from sal ammoniac.”
Modern English
English
ammonia
“A pungent alkaline compound used in cleaning, fertilizers, and industry.”