ammonia

Definition

A gaseous, toxic compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, NH₃, with a pungent smell and taste.

Etymology

From Latin sal ammoniacus (“salt of Amun, ammonium chloride”), named so because it was found near the temple of (Jupiter) Ammon in Egypt. Ammon derives from Ancient Greek Ἄμμων (Ámmōn), from Egyptian jmn (i-mn:n-A4).

Example Sentences

• "Never use ammonia to clean metal writing pens."
• "Slowly we rode down to the camp - a very sorrowful party. We took "Nep" straight to the surgery, where the doctor instantly applied injections of ammonia, then the new remedy for snake bite."
• "When the woman pressed charges against the man who beat her up and threatened her, the man's girlfriend approached her after work and threw a bottle of ammonia at her."

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