noun Uncommon

ammonium

uh-MOH-nee-uhm

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Ammonium (noun) means a positively charged particle (NH4+) formed when ammonia gains an extra hydrogen atom. Example: “Ammonium compounds are common ingredients in fertilizers.”

noun

A positively charged particle (NH4+) formed when ammonia gains an extra hydrogen atom.

"Ammonium compounds are common ingredients in fertilizers."

"The lab measured ammonium levels in the water sample."

How to use ammonium

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe chemical ion related to ammonia, found in fertilizers and some cleaning products.

Easily confused with

ammonia →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: ammoniums

Test yourself on “ammonium” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ compounds are common ingredients in fertilizers.

Etymology

Formed in scientific Latin from "ammonia" plus the chemical suffix "-ium", following the pattern used for naming metallic-acting ions.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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ammonium ion

Rhymes for ammonium

curium osmium cerium erbium sodium helium cadmium caesium fermium gallium niobium thulium

See all rhymes for ammonium →

Frequently asked questions

What does “ammonium” mean?

The word “ammonium” means a positively charged particle (NH4+) formed when ammonia gains an extra hydrogen atom. In plain terms, the chemical ion related to ammonia, found in fertilizers and some cleaning products.

How do you pronounce “ammonium”?

“Ammonium” is pronounced uh-MOH-nee-uhm (/əˈmoʊni.əm/ in IPA).

How do you use “ammonium” in a sentence?

Here is “ammonium” used in a sentence: “Ammonium compounds are common ingredients in fertilizers.”

What part of speech is “ammonium”?

“Ammonium” is a noun.

Where does the word “ammonium” come from?

The word “ammonium” comes from Latin. Formed in scientific Latin from "ammonia" plus the chemical suffix "-ium", following the pattern used for naming metallic-acting ions.

Is “ammonium” a common word?

“Ammonium” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Words with Latin origins