An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An irritating, colorless, gaseous compound of → nitrogen and → hydrogen (NH₃), which is lighter than air and readily soluble in water. It is formed in nature as a by-product of protein metabolism in animals. Ammonia is used in the preparation of many substances containing nitrogen, such as fertilizers, explosives, refrigerants, and so on.

Etymology (EN): Coined in 1782 by Swedish chemist Torbern Bergman (1735-1784) for gas obtained from ammoniac, a salt and a gum resin containing ammonium chloride found near temple of Jupiter Ammon in Libya, from Gk. ammoniakos “belonging to Ammon” (Egyptian God).

Etymology (PE): Âmoniyâk, loan from Fr.