ammonium

American  

[uh-moh-nee-uhm] / əˈmoʊ ni əm /

noun

Chemistry.

1. the univalent ion, NH 4 + , or group, NH 4 , which plays the part of a metal in the salt formed when ammonia reacts with an acid.

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ammonium British  

/ əˈməʊnɪəm, -njəm /

noun

1. (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group NH 4 – or the ion NH 4 ⁺

   ammonium compounds

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ammonium Scientific  

/ ə-mō′nē-əm /

1. A positively charged ion, NH ₄, derived from ammonia and found in a wide variety of organic and inorganic compounds. Compounds of ammonium chemically resemble the alkali metals.

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Etymology

Origin of ammonium

< New Latin; see ammonia, -ium; coined by J. J. Berzelius in 1808

Compare meaning

How does ammonium compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ammonia vs. ammonium

Explanation

Ammonium is an ionic compound made of nitrogen and hydrogen, commonly found in household cleaners and fertilizers. Derived from ammonia, ammonium behaves like an alkali metal ion. This means that it can easily bond with other elements, making it versatile and effective in various applications. For example, ammonium is a key ingredient in cleaning products, where it helps break down dirt and grime, making surfaces shine. In fertilizers, ammonium provides essential nutrients that help plants grow strong and healthy.

Example Sentences

Ammonium nitrate is regularly transported around the world and used as fertiliser but is also used in explosives.

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2024

Ammonium chloride gives off small amounts of ammonia, which moves inside the cell and raises the pH, making it more alkaline, which means fewer hydrogen ions.

From Science Daily • Oct. 5, 2023

Ammonium nitrate can deteriorate when exposed repeatedly to high temperatures and humidity, and it can burn too fast, making explosions larger.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2021

Ammonium nitrate, used as fertilizer and as explosives in mines, is usually harmless by itself but can be dangerous under intense heat and pressure.

From New York Times • Aug. 31, 2020

Ammonium hydroxide has never been obtained in a pure state.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William