Alum
['æləm]
Definition
(noun.) a double sulphate of aluminum and potassium that is used as an astringent (among other things).
(noun.) a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum: the potassium double sulfate of aluminum.
(noun.) a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum: the ammonium double sulfate of aluminum.
Editor: Stephen--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A double sulphate formed of aluminium and some other element (esp. an alkali metal) or of aluminium. It has twenty-four molecules of water of crystallization.
(v. t.) To steep in, or otherwise impregnate with, a solution of alum; to treat with alum.
Inputed by Chris
Definition
n. a mineral salt the double sulphate of alumina and potash used as a mordant in dyeing and for many purposes.—adj. Al′umish having the character or taste of alum.—ns. Al′um-shale or -slate a slate consisting mainly of clay iron pyrites and coaly matter from which alum is obtained.
Editor: Matt
Unserious Contents or Definition
Alum seen in a dream, portends frustration of well laid plans. To taste alum, denotes secret remorse over some evil work by you upon some innocent person. For a woman to dream of quantities of alum, foretells disappointment in her marriage and loss of affection.
Typed by Anton
Examples
- A rough diamond is a hard-looking, luminous object, somewhat like a piece of alum, with a dull skin, called the nyf, over a brilliant body. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- Flour, terra alba, alum, and chalk are the chief ingredients used in the adulteration of cream of tartar. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
- For this reason, many states have prohibited the use of alum in baking powders. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- In this process the skins are steeped in a bath of alum, salt and other substances, and they are also sometimes soaked in fish-oil. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- Among other lining materials found suitable were soapstone, alumina, ammonia, copperas, starch, Epsom salts, and gypsum, paper, pulp, and alum, and a mixture of various other materials. William Henry Doolittle. Inventions in the Century.
- For example, with alum and oxalic acid as a mordant and logwood as a dye, blue is obtained; but with a mordant of ferric sulphate and a dye of logwood, blacks and grays result. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
Typist: Nathaniel