Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Alum"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Alum \Al"um\, n. [OE. alum, alom, OF. alum, F. alun, fr. L.
alumen alum.] (Chem.)
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.
Note: Common alum is the double sulphate of aluminium and
potassium. It is white, transparent, very astringent,
and crystallizes easily in octahedrons. The term is
extended so as to include other double sulphates
similar to alum in formula.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Alum \Al"um\, v. t.
To steep in, or otherwise impregnate with, a solution of
alum; to treat with alum. --Ure.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
alum
n 1: a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum: the ammonium
double sulfate of aluminum [syn: {ammonia alum}, {ammonium
alum}]
2: a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum: the
potassium double sulfate of aluminum [syn: {potassium alum},
{potash alum}]
3: a person who has received a degree from a school (high
school or college or university) [syn: {alumnus}, {alumna},
{graduate}, {grad}]
4: a double sulphate of aluminum and potassium that is used as
an astringent (among other things)
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