Ammoniacal is a word that is often used in chemistry and biology to describe compounds that contain ammonia. It is a term that is commonly used in academic and scientific circles, but it may not be familiar to the general public. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of ammoniacal, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Ammoniacal is an adjective that describes something that contains or is related to ammonia. It can be used to describe a variety of compounds, including ammonium hydroxide, ammonium chloride, and ammonium nitrate. In general, ammoniacal compounds are known for their strong, pungent odor and their ability to dissolve in water.
Origin
The word ammoniacal comes from the Latin word ammoniacus, which means “pertaining to ammonia.” Ammonia was first discovered by the ancient Egyptians, who used it in the mummification process. The ancient Greeks and Romans also knew about ammonia and used it for cleaning and other purposes.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ammoniacal means “of, relating to, or containing ammonia.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “pertaining to or derived from ammonia.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “containing or relating to ammonia.”
Associations
Ammoniacal compounds are often associated with strong, unpleasant odors. They are also commonly used in cleaning products, fertilizers, and other industrial applications. In biology, ammoniacal compounds can be found in urine and other bodily fluids.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for ammoniacal include ammonia-based, ammoniated, and ammonium.
Antonyms
Antonyms for ammoniacal include non-ammoniacal and ammonia-free.
The same root words
The root word of ammoniacal is ammonia, which comes from the Greek word ammoniakon. Other words that share this root include ammonium, ammonite, and ammonoid.
Example Sentences
- The cleaning solution was highly ammoniacal and had a strong odor.
- The fertilizer contained a high concentration of ammoniacal compounds.
- The lab technician wore a mask to protect herself from the ammoniacal fumes.
- The urine sample tested positive for ammoniacal compounds.
- The scientist used an ammoniacal solution to dissolve the sample.