Ammonification
/ˌæmənɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/noun
The process by which organic nitrogen is converted into ammonia or ammonium compounds.
Did you know?The first part comes from Ammon, the Greek name for the Egyptian god Amun, because a form of ammonium chloride was historically associated with the temple area of Jupiter Ammon in the Libyan desert.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Egypt
Egyptian
jmn
“The name of the god Amun, associated with hiddenness and air”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ἄμμων (Ámmōn)
“The Greek form of the god’s name, especially in reference to Zeus-Ammon”
Late Latin
Latin
ammoniacum
“A resin or gum associated with the temple of Ammon”
18th Century
French/English
ammoniaque / ammonia
“A volatile alkali obtained from sal ammoniac”
19th Century
English
ammonification
“The process of converting organic nitrogen into ammonia”