ammonium sulphate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “ammonium sulphate” mean?
A white crystalline salt with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂SO₄, used primarily as a fertilizer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white crystalline salt with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂SO₄, used primarily as a fertilizer.
An inorganic compound produced by reacting ammonia with sulfuric acid, also used in water purification, food additives, and various industrial processes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English uses 'sulphate', American English uses 'sulfate'. Pronunciation follows the spelling difference.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specific technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “ammonium sulphate” in a Sentence
[Subject] applies/treats with/adds ammonium sulphate [to Object]Ammonium sulphate is used/applied/added [for Purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ammonium sulphate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The ammonium sulphate solution was prepared.
- We observed the ammonium sulphate crystals.
American English
- The ammonium sulfate solution was prepared.
- We observed the ammonium sulfate crystals.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the agricultural supply industry when discussing fertilizer sales and soil treatment products.
Academic
Common in chemistry, biochemistry, agriculture, and environmental science textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation unless discussing gardening or farming.
Technical
Standard term in chemical manufacturing, laboratory procedures, agricultural science, and water treatment specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ammonium sulphate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ammonium sulphate”
- Misspelling as 'ammonia sulphate' or 'ammonium sulfate' (the latter is the American spelling, not a mistake in US context).
- Confusing it with ammonium nitrate or ammonium phosphate, which are different fertilizers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally considered low in toxicity but can be an irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory system. It is not flammable or explosive under normal conditions.
Both are nitrogen fertilizers. Ammonium sulphate ((NH₄)₂SO₄) contains nitrogen and sulfur. Ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) contains a higher percentage of nitrogen but no sulfur, and it is more regulated due to its potential use in explosives.
No. It is an acidifying fertilizer, making it ideal for alkaline soils or plants that prefer acidic conditions (e.g., blueberries, azaleas). It is not suitable for acid-loving plants already in acidic soil or for plants sensitive to sulfur.
The difference stems from the British preference for the etymological 'ph' spelling in words derived from Greek (like 'sulphur'), while American English adopted the simplified 'f' spelling ('sulfur') in the early 20th century. This extends to derivatives like sulphate/sulfate.
A white crystalline salt with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂SO₄, used primarily as a fertilizer.
Ammonium sulphate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Ammonium sulphate: in British English it is pronounced /əˌməʊ.ni.əm ˈsʌl.feɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌmoʊ.ni.əm ˈsʌl.feɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AMMonium SULphate' feeds plants – AMMonia makes it, SULfur is in it.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term with little metaphorical extension)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary industrial use of ammonium sulphate?