Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » ammoniac

ammoniac

(ə mō′nē ak′)

noun

a pungent gum resin obtained from the stems of certain plants (esp. Dorema ammoniacum) of the umbel family, found in Iran, S Siberia, and N India: used in perfumes, porcelain cements, and formerly in medicine

Origin: ME ammoniak < ML armoniac < L ammoniacum < Gr ammōniakon, gum resin: orig., prob. from its occurrence in plants growing near the temple of Jupiter Ammon in Egypt

See ammoniac in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Of, containing, or similar to ammonia.

noun

A strong-smelling gum resin from the stems of a plant (Dorema ammoniacum) of western Asia, formerly used in perfumery and in medicine as an expectorant and a stimulant. Also called gum ammoniac.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English ammoniak

Origin: , from Latin ammōniacum

Origin: , from Ammōniacus, of Amen

Origin: , from Greek Ammōniakos; see ammonia

Learn more about ammoniac

ammoniac medical definition

ammoniac in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box