ammonium

noun

am·​mo·​ni·​um ə-ˈmō-nē-əm How to pronounce ammonium (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other chemicals where inventories are tight include ascorbic acid found in Vitamin C, ammonium bicarbonate used to make baking/cleaning products, and sodium thiocyanate, a critical chemical for concrete used in construction. Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 12 May 2025 Both ammonium perchlorate and dioctyl sebacate are chemicals usable in solid propellant rocket motors, which are commonly used for ballistic missiles, according to the Treasury Department. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 30 Apr. 2025 Iran’s military sought to deny the delivery of ammonium perchlorate from China, but new videos emerged showing an apocalyptic scene at the still-smoldering port. Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025 Supply troubles Defense analyst Hinz said that while Iran has previously boasted of its ability to produce ammonium perchlorate themselves, this delivery hints at supply chain bottlenecks as domestic precursor supply has been unable to meet missile production needs. Saskya Vandoorne, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ammonium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from ammonia

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ammonium was in 1808

Cite this Entry

“Ammonium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ammonium. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

ammonium

noun
am·​mo·​ni·​um ə-ˈmō-nē-əm How to pronounce ammonium (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce ammonium (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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