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

See Examples For:

ammonium

To preserve its own supplies, Russia has suspended exports of ammonium nitrate, another nitrogen source for fertilizer.

From Salon ● Apr. 8, 2026

To create the effect, the team carefully adjusted the composition of the metal oxide by adding very small amounts of hydrogen and ammonium.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 24, 2025

In 2024 China accounted for 70% of Russia’s imports of ammonium perchlorate, an essential ingredient in ballistic-missile fuel.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 18, 2025

That list includes ammonium nitrate, commonly available as a popular fertilizer at farm and garden stores.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2025

But scientists in the Department of Agriculture had a better idea: Spread the ammonium nitrate on farmland as fertilizer.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan