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ammonium
noun
am·mo·ni·um
ə-ˈmō-nē-əm
: an ion NH4+ derived from ammonia by combination with a hydrogen ion and known in compounds (such as salts) that resemble in properties the compounds of the alkali metals
Examples of ammonium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Decomposers play a critical role recycling organic forms of nitrogen such as proteins into inorganic forms such as ammonium and nitrate that microbes and plants can use.
—Jennifer Debruyn, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2023
It is constantly monitored by sensors and controlled by software that can adjust everything from temperature to pH.
Finally, there is a filtration stage where any unprocessed solids are separated from the liquid, which contains minerals, ammonium, volatile fatty acids, and carbon dioxide.
—Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 13 Sep. 2023
Turning waste into air and food The solution of minerals and ammonium flows to the third compartment, where two cultures of bacteria—Nitrosomonas europea and Nitrobacter winogradsky—await.
—Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 13 Sep. 2023
For example, a 21-0-0 fertilizer (ammonium sulphate) contains 21 percent N and no P or K.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2024
Our new findings suggest that our microbes are likely playing a part in this recycling process by converting large nitrogen-containing molecules like proteins and nucleic acids into ammonium.
—Jennifer Debruyn, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2023
Nitrifying microbes in the soil can then convert the ammonium into nitrate.
—Jennifer Debruyn, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2023
In agricultural pollution, a key precursor of PM2.5, ammonium, may be more damaging to the brain, the researchers found.
—Abdullahi Tsanni, STAT, 14 Aug. 2023
In addition to temperature and pH, the bandage's biosensor monitors levels of ammonium, glucose, lactate and uric acid; together these measurements provide information about inflammation, infection and stage of healing.
—Simon Makin, Scientific American, 28 June 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ammonium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from ammonia
First Known Use
1808, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing ammonium
Dictionary Entries Near ammonium
Cite this Entry
“Ammonium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ammonium. Accessed 2 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
ammonium
noun
am·mo·ni·um
ə-ˈmō-nē-əm
: an ion that comes from the combination of ammonia with a hydrogen ion
Medical Definition
ammonium
noun
am·mo·ni·um
ə-ˈmō-nē-əm
: an ion NH4+ derived from ammonia by combination with a hydrogen ion and known in organic compounds (as quaternary ammonium compounds) and in compounds (as salts) that resemble in properties the compounds of the alkali metals
More from Merriam-Webster on ammonium
Britannica English: Translation of ammonium for Arabic Speakers
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