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Aluminium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aluminium

[ˌæl.jʊˈmɪn.i.əm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

metal

A chemical element (symbol Al) with atomic number 13, a silvery-white, soft, nonmagnetic, ductile metal. It is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust and is widely used in various industries.

Synonyms

aluminum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aluminium

Commonly used in British English and other Commonwealth countries to refer to the chemical element with the symbol 'Al'.

  • The factory specializes in the production of aluminium cans.
  • Aluminium foil is great for keeping food fresh.
aluminum

This term is used primarily in American English to refer to the same chemical element.

  • The recycling of aluminum saves a lot of energy.
  • We need more aluminum sheets for the construction project.

Examples of usage

  • Aluminium is commonly used in the aerospace industry for aircraft construction.
  • The aluminium foil is used for wrapping food items to keep them fresh.
  • The window frames are often made of aluminium due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties.
Context #2 | Noun

can

A thin, flexible sheet of metal made from aluminium, typically used for packaging food and beverages.

Synonyms

aluminum can.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aluminium

This is the British English spelling of the metal element used in a variety of applications. It's best used in contexts related to science, engineering, and British English documentation or communication.

  • The laboratory is testing the properties of aluminium alloys.
  • Recycling aluminium helps reduce environmental impact.
aluminum can

This phrase specifically refers to drink containers made from aluminum, and it is commonly used in casual conversation and recycling-related discussions.

  • Please make sure to dispose of your aluminum can in the recycling bin.
  • Drinking soda from an aluminum can is quite popular during summer picnics.

Examples of usage

  • I opened the aluminium can of soda with a pop.
  • She recycled the aluminium cans to help the environment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first aluminum production in large volumes began during the late 1800s, making it widely available for use.
  • Napoleon III of France famously used aluminum cutlery at banquets to show off the metal's rarity and status.
  • Aluminum was once considered more precious than gold due to its limited availability until the development of the Hall-Héroult process.

Industry and Technology

  • Aluminium's lightness and resistance to rust made it an essential material in aviation and aerospace engineering.
  • More than 75% of the aluminum ever produced is still in use today because it can be recycled without losing quality.
  • This metal is vital for electricity transmission because it conducts electricity well and is lighter than copper.

Environment and Sustainability

  • Aluminium is highly recyclable, and recycling it saves 95% of the energy required to create new aluminum from raw materials.
  • Using aluminum cans can help reduce overall carbon emissions when recycled properly instead of using new materials.
  • The production of aluminum can be energy-intensive, but advances in technology are making processes cleaner and more efficient.

Pop Culture

  • Aluminum foil is often used in movies and TV shows to depict aliens or futuristic technology due to its shiny appearance.
  • The 'aluminum Christmas tree' became a quirky decoration during the 1960s, reflecting a modern twist on holiday traditions.
  • In various music genres, references to aluminum can symbolize everyday life, often showcasing its common use in households.

Origin of 'aluminium'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'aluminium' comes from the Latin word 'alumen' which means bitter salt.
  • In 1825, a Danish chemist first isolated this element, but it was English chemist Humphry Davy who named it in 1807.
  • In some countries, it's called 'aluminum,' emphasizing different pronunciation and spelling in American English.

The word 'aluminium' originated in the early 19th century from the Latin word 'alumen' meaning 'alum'. The -ium suffix was added to align it with other elements. Initially, 'aluminum' was the common spelling in the U.S., while 'aluminium' was used elsewhere. In 1925, the American Chemical Society officially adopted 'aluminum' as the standard name, but 'aluminium' remains the preferred spelling in most English-speaking countries.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,718 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.