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 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 This quaternary ammonium salt acts as a formaldehyde releaser. Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 8 Aug. 2023 Univar also stored chemicals next to each other that shouldn’t have been next to each other, like sulfuric acid next to potassium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide and nitric acid next to potassium permanganate, ammonium persulfate, and hydrogen peroxide, according to the EPA’s allegations. Brian Amaral, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Jan. 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ammonium was in 1808

Dictionary Entries Near ammonium

Cite this Entry

“Ammonium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ammonium. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on ammonium

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