Ammonia
- Pronunciation
- /uh-MOH-nee-uh/
- Category
- Physiology
- Singular
- Ammonia
- Plural
- Ammonias
Definition
A colorless gas with a pungent odor, composed of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3). It is a common byproduct of biological processes, including decomposition of organic matter and some metabolic processes in insects.
Etymology
From Latin 'ammoniacus', referring to the salt Ammonium Chloride ('sal ammoniac'), named after the Temple of Ammon in ancient Libya where it was collected.
Example
Certain insects convert waste nitrogen into ammonia, which is then excreted from their systems.
Synonyms
- NH3
Related Terms
- Nitrogen
- Metabolism
- Excretion
Usage Notes
Ammonia plays a critical role in the nitrogen cycle and is an important compound in the study of insect physiology and environmental impact.