1
: a pungent colorless gaseous alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen NH3 that is very soluble in water and can easily be condensed to a liquid by cold and pressure
2
Examples of ammonia in a Sentence
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The results of this recent experiment are strikingly similar (pun intended) to a 1952 experiment by University of Chicago chemists Stanley Miller and Harold Urey, who zapped a bottle of water vapor, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen gas with an electrical spark and got amino acids.
—
Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025
The Miller-Urey experiment provided one possible explanation for how gases like methane, ammonia, and hydrogen could create these organic molecules via lightning strikes.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 14 Mar. 2025
In 2018, the company gained FDA approval for a drug that reduces ammonia emissions in cattle; Zoetis has also announced research efforts to develop a similar product.
—Kenny Torrella, Vox, 1 Mar. 2025
After the leak was stopped, there were no detectable levels of ammonia, and patrons were let back in, officials said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Feb. 2025
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Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025
The Miller-Urey experiment provided one possible explanation for how gases like methane, ammonia, and hydrogen could create these organic molecules via lightning strikes.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 14 Mar. 2025
In 2018, the company gained FDA approval for a drug that reduces ammonia emissions in cattle; Zoetis has also announced research efforts to develop a similar product.
—Kenny Torrella, Vox, 1 Mar. 2025
After the leak was stopped, there were no detectable levels of ammonia, and patrons were let back in, officials said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ammonia
Cite this Entry
“Ammonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ammonia. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ammonia
noun
am·mo·nia
ə-ˈmō-nyə 
1
: a colorless gas that is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, has a sharp smell and taste, is easily dissolved in water, can easily be made a liquid by cold and pressure, is used to make ice, fertilizers, and explosives, and is the chief nitrogen-containing waste product of many organisms that live in water
2
: a solution of ammonia in water
ammoniacal
adjective
ˌam-ə-ˈnī-ə-kəl
Etymology
from Latin sal ammoniacus "ammonium chloride," literally "salt of Ammon," named for the Egyptian god Ammon near whose temple the salt was extracted
Medical Definition
ammonia
noun
am·mo·nia
ə-ˈmō-nyə
1
: a pungent colorless gaseous alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen NH3 that is very soluble in water and can easily be condensed to a liquid by cold and pressure
2
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