A colorless volatile gas, NH3, very soluble in water, capable of forming the weak base, NH4+OH−, which combines with acids to form ammonium compounds. [fr. L. sal ammoniacus, salt of Amen (G. Ammon), obtained near a temple of Amen in Libya]
* * *
am·mo·nia ə-'mō-nyə n
1) a pungent colorless gaseous alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen NH3 that is very soluble in water and can easily be condensed to a liquid by cold and pressure
2) AMMONIA WATER
* * *
am·mo·nia (ə-mōnґyə) [Zeus Ammon, near whose temple in Libya it was formerly obtained] a colorless alkaline gas, NH3, having a penetrating odor; it is soluble in water. Excessive levels in the blood are toxic (see hyperammonemia). It forms compounds in the form of ammonium (q.v.).Medical dictionary. 2011.