About
铵 is the simplified form of 銨, a modern scientific coinage created to represent the ammonium ion. It is a phonosemantic compound: the left radical 钅 (金 in traditional script) signals a metal or metal-like substance, chosen because the ammonium ion behaves similarly to alkali metals in chemical reactions. The right component 安 functions solely as a phonetic indicator, approximating the initial sound of "ammonium", and does not impart its usual meanings of safety or peace.
Etymology Hide
Example Words
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.