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; 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

Example Sentences

Growing even modest quantities of mycoprotein requires significant inputs, and the spores must be cultivated in large metal tanks filled with sugar-rich feedstock and added nutrients such as ammonium sulfate.

From Science Daily

In the summer of 2020, about 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that were stockpiled in the port of Beirut in Lebanon accidentally exploded, killing more than 200 people and injuring thousands.

From New York Times

The ammonium nitrate inside them, used to generate a burst in the event of a crash, can degrade over time, particularly in hot and humid climates.

From Washington Times

The company used volatile ammonium nitrate to inflate the air bags in a crash.

From Seattle Times

Metallic powders such as aluminium often serve as the fuel, and ammonium perchlorate, which is the salt of perchloric acid and ammonia, is the most common oxidiser.

From Reuters