ammoniac

noun

am·​mo·​ni·​ac ə-ˈmō-nē-ˌak How to pronounce ammoniac (audio)
: the aromatic gum resin of a southwest Asian herb (Dorema ammoniacum) of the carrot family used as an expectorant and stimulant and in plasters

Word History

Etymology

Middle English & Latin; Middle English, from Latin ammoniacum, from Greek ammōniakon, from neuter of ammōniakos of Ammon

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ammoniac was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing ammoniac

Dictionary Entries Near ammoniac

ammonia

ammoniac

ammoniacal

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Cite this Entry

“Ammoniac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ammoniac. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

ammoniac

1 of 2 noun
am·​mo·​ni·​ac ə-ˈmō-nē-ˌak How to pronounce ammoniac (audio)
: the aromatic gum resin of a Persian herb (Dorema ammoniacum) of the carrot family used as an expectorant and stimulant and in plasters

ammoniac

2 of 2
see sal ammoniac
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