'ammoniacum' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ammoniacum', where 'ammoniacus' referred to the gum resin associated with the temple of Ammon in Libya.

'ammoniacum' changed from the Latin word 'ammoniacum' and has remained largely unchanged in modern English.

Initially, it referred to the gum resin from the plant, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.