ammoniac

noun am·mo·ni·ac \ə-ˈmō-nē-ˌak\

Definition of AMMONIAC

: the aromatic gum resin of a southwest Asian herb (Dorema ammoniacum) of the carrot family used as an expectorant and stimulant and in plasters

Middle English & Latin; Middle English, from Latin ammoniacum, from Greek ammōniakon, from neuter of ammōniakos of Ammon

First Known Use: 15th century

Next Word in the Dictionary: ammoniacalPrevious Word in the Dictionary: ammoniaAll Words Near: ammoniac

What made you want to look up ammoniac? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears