ammonium nitrate

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, NH 4 NO 3 , usually produced by reacting nitric acid with vaporous ammonia: used chiefly in explosives, fertilizers, freezing mixtures, and in the manufacture of nitrous oxide.

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ammonium nitrate British  

noun

1. a colourless highly soluble crystalline solid used mainly as a fertilizer and in explosives and pyrotechnics. Formula: NH 4 NO 3

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ammonium nitrate Scientific  

1. A colorless crystalline salt used in fertilizers, explosives, and solid rocket propellants. Chemical formula: NH ₄ NO ₃ .

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Etymology

Origin of ammonium nitrate

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

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

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2025

The death is one of 27 in the U.S. caused by the faulty inflators, which used volatile ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate air bags in a crash.

From Seattle Times • May 29, 2024

It was carrying a cargo of 21 tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertiliser, which the US military said presented an environmental risk in the Red Sea.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2024

Because ammonium nitrate, the main ingredient in many explosives, happens to be an excellent source of nitrogen.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan