Ammonium hydroxide – Definition & Meaning

Ammonium hydroxide is a chemical compound that is commonly used in various industrial and household applications. It is a colorless, pungent-smelling liquid that is composed of ammonia and water. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, origin, and associations of ammonium hydroxide.

Definitions

Ammonium hydroxide is defined as a solution of ammonia in water. It is also known as ammonia water or aqueous ammonia. The chemical formula for ammonium hydroxide is NH4OH.

Origin

Ammonium hydroxide was first discovered in the 14th century by alchemists who were trying to create the philosopher’s stone. However, it was not until the 18th century that ammonium hydroxide was recognized as a distinct compound. It was first synthesized by the Swedish chemist Torbern Bergman in 1774.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ammonium hydroxide is defined as “a solution of ammonia in water used especially as a cleanser and in manufacturing.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a solution of ammonia in water, used as a cleaning agent and in the manufacture of various products.”

Associations

Ammonium hydroxide is commonly used as a cleaning agent in various industries, including agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing. It is also used in the production of fertilizers, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

Synonyms

Some of the synonyms for ammonium hydroxide include ammonia water, aqua ammonia, and ammonia solution.

Antonyms

There are no antonyms for ammonium hydroxide as it is a chemical compound.

The same root words

Ammonium hydroxide is composed of two root words: ammonia and hydroxide. Ammonia is a compound made up of nitrogen and hydrogen, while hydroxide is a compound made up of oxygen and hydrogen.

Example Sentences

1. The cleaning crew used ammonium hydroxide to remove the stubborn stains from the factory floor.
2. The fertilizer company used ammonium hydroxide in the production of their products.
3. The textile industry uses ammonium hydroxide in the dyeing process.
4. The pharmaceutical company used ammonium hydroxide in the manufacture of their medication.