alum

views updated Jun 27 2018

a·lum / ˈaləm/ • n. Chem. a colorless astringent compound, AlK(SO4)2.12H2O, a hydrated double sulfate of aluminum and potassium, used in solution medicinally and in dyeing and tanning. ∎  any of a number of analogous crystalline double sulfates of a monovalent metal (or group) and a trivalent metal.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

alum

views updated May 11 2018

alum XIV. — OF. alum (mod. alun) :- L. alūmen.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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