Ammonia

n. [From sal ammoniac, which was first obtained near the temple of Jupiter Ammon, by burning camels' dung. See AMMONITE.] (Chem.) An alkali, which is gaseous or aëriform in its uncombined state. It has a pungent smell and taste, and consists of three equivalents of hydrogen and one of nitrogen. It is now considered an amide of hydrogen:—often called volatile alkali, and spirits of hartshorn. See AMIDE.