ammoniac

[ uh-moh-nee-ak ]

noun

1. Also am·mo·ni·a·cum [] gum ammoniac.

adjective

1. ammoniacal.

ammoniac

¹

/ əˈməʊnɪˌæk /

noun

1. a strong-smelling gum resin obtained from the stems of the N Asian umbelliferous plant Dorema ammoniacum and formerly used as an expectorant, stimulant, perfume, and in porcelain cement Also calledgum ammoniac

ammoniac

²

/ əˈməʊnɪˌæk /

adjective

1. See ammoniacal
   a variant of ammoniacal

Word History and Origins

Origin of ammoniac¹

1375–1425; late Middle English armoniac, ammoniak < Latin ammōniacum < Greek ammōniakón (neuter of ammōniakós of Ammon; -i-, -ac ), applied to a salt and a gum resin prepared near the Shrine of Ammon in Libya

Word History and Origins

Origin of ammoniac¹

C14: from Latin ammōniacum, from Greek ammōniakos belonging to Ammon (apparently the gum resin was extracted from plants found in Libya near the temple of Ammon)

Example Sentences

For myself, I generally prefer the colour given by ammoniac salt; it is artistical and sufficient for any purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

Rub thoroughly with strong brine, or a solution of sal ammoniac dissolved in eight times its weight of water.

From Project Gutenberg

It absorbs one-sixth more than its bulk of alkaline air, and with it forms the common sal ammoniac.

From Project Gutenberg

One measure of this air saturates two of alkaline air, and with it forms the vitriolic ammoniac.

From Project Gutenberg

Platina is precipitated from a solution in aqua regia by sal-ammoniac, as gold is by martial vitriol.

From Project Gutenberg