noun
- Plural of ammoniac; a gum resin obtained from an umbelliferous plant (Dorema ammoniacum), used historically in medicine and perfumery.
Usage: Also called gum ammoniac; Archaic or specialized botanical/historical usage
Examples
- Ancient physicians prescribed ammoniacs as a remedy for respiratory ailments.
- The trade in ammoniacs was significant along the Silk Road.
- Perfumers in the medieval period valued ammoniacs for their distinctive scent.
- Ammoniacs were harvested from plants native to Central Asia.