Definition: Ammoniacal: (noun) A substance that is toxic, as in ammonium nitrate, which is an ammoniacal powder. Definition: 1. Toxic or toxic to human beings. 2. Having a strong odor and taste, like ammonia. Examples of "ammoniacal" substances include ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium chloride, and other similar compounds that are used in chemical processes for producing nitrogen gas. Ammonia also has a very strong odor and taste when it is present as a powder or dissolved in water. The word "ammoniacal" was coined by chemist Robert Cockerill in 1875 to describe substances that have an unpleasant taste, smell, or appearance when they are exposed to ammonia. In the chemical industry, ammoniacal compounds are used for their toxicity properties and as a means of producing nitrogen gas.