anhydrous ammonia

noun

: ammonia in its pure form that contains no water

Note: Household ammonia is typically a solution of ammonia dissolved in water, but for industrial and commercial purposes ammonia is often stored and transported in a concentrated state without any added water, called anhydrous ammonia. In this form it can be used as a fertilizer, a refrigerant, or as an antimicrobial agent.

Under a November 1940 contract with the government, DuPont built the facility, initially to produce anhydrous ammonia for use in ordnance.

—Cheryl Hogue, Chemical & Engineering News, 24 May 2004

compare ammonia water, household ammonia

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

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