Alum: meaning, definitions and examples

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alum

 

[ หˆรฆl.ษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemical compound

Alum is a chemical compound, typically a hydrated double sulfate salt, that contains a metal ion such as potassium or aluminum. It is often used in various applications, including water purification, food processing, and as a mordant in dyeing processes. Alums are also recognized for their astringent properties, which can be beneficial in medical practices. The chemical formula for the most common type of alum is KAl(SOโ‚„)โ‚‚ยท12Hโ‚‚O, known as potassium alum.

Synonyms

aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, tartar emetic

Examples of usage

  • Alum is used to purify drinking water.
  • Potassium alum serves as a mordant in textile dyeing.
  • In cooking, alum can be used as a food preservative.
  • Some cosmetics contain alum for its astringent properties.

Translations

Translations of the word "alum" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น alume

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฒเฅเคซเฅ‡เคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Alum

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ alum

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฐะปัŽะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sรณl glinowa

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ˜Ž็คฌ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท alun

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ alumbre

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท alรผminyum sรผlfat

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•Œ๋ฃธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุฃู„ูˆู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hlinitan

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hlinitan

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ˜Ž็Ÿพ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ aluminij

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ alรบm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะปัŽะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒšแƒฃแƒ›แƒ˜แƒœแƒ˜แƒก

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ alum

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ alumbre

Etymology

The term 'alum' originates from the Latin word 'alumen', meaning 'bitter salt' or 'to flow'. This itself can be traced back to the Greek word 'alumos', which refers to a type of salt with astringent properties. Historically, alums have been known since ancient times, with applications in various cultures for dyeing fabrics and as a food preservative. In medieval Europe, alum was highly valued for its use in textile dyeing, leading to the establishment of alum mines, particularly in Italy and England. The discovery and commercial production of alum contributed significantly to the textile industry during this period.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,433, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.