ammonium chloride

American  

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, NH 4 Cl, which produces a cooling sensation on the tongue, used chiefly in the manufacture of dry cells, in electroplating, and in medicine as an expectorant.

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ammonium chloride British  

noun

1. Also called: sal ammoniac.  a white soluble crystalline solid used chiefly as an electrolyte in dry batteries and as a mordant and soldering flux. Formula: NH 4 Cl

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ammonium chloride Scientific  

1. A white crystalline compound used in dry cells, as a soldering flux, and as an expectorant. Also called sal ammoniac. Chemical formula: NH ₄ Cl.

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Etymology

Origin of ammonium chloride

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ammonium chloride

Distillers threw rotten fruit and molasses waste in the gallon to brew with ammonium chloride to produce something called “snake juice,” which was collected by lepers and taken around the city.

From Salon ● Feb. 2, 2025

“Further tests on mice confirmed that those with the OTOP1 gene avoided ammonium chloride, while those without it didn’t mind the taste,” the release continued.

From Salon ● Oct. 30, 2023

For decades scientists have known that the tongue responds strongly to ammonium chloride, but weren’t sure which receptors were responsible for being able to do so.

From Salon ● Oct. 30, 2023

So, what is the advantage in tasting ammonium chloride and why is it evolutionarily so conserved?

From Science Daily ● Oct. 5, 2023

Locally a snuff made of menthol 1 part, ammonium chloride 3 parts and boracic acid 2 parts will relieve the discomfort of the nose.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various