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
Recent Examples on the Web
Bleach, ammonia, dishwashing liquids and powders, oven cleaners, and drain cleaners can potentially be more dangerous than expected.
—
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025
Thanks to its keen infrared vision, JWST is better suited for teasing out the presence of molecules such as water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and ammonia.
—Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 16 July 2025
In July 2024, the water quality control board mandated the removal of elements, such as ammonia and nitrogen, discharged into the San Francisco Bay.
—Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 2 July 2025
So are industrial pollutants, like sulfuric acid and ammonia gases, which collide with other molecules in the atmosphere to form aerosols.
—Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
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Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025
Thanks to its keen infrared vision, JWST is better suited for teasing out the presence of molecules such as water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and ammonia.
—Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 16 July 2025
In July 2024, the water quality control board mandated the removal of elements, such as ammonia and nitrogen, discharged into the San Francisco Bay.
—Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 2 July 2025
So are industrial pollutants, like sulfuric acid and ammonia gases, which collide with other molecules in the atmosphere to form aerosols.
—Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 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 6 Aug. 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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