Synonyms for

Alum

Verb / ˈælʌm / / ʌˈlʌm / Another word for alum — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum and potassium used in water purification, leather tanning, and the preparation of baking powder.

Synonyms & similar words

alumnus grad ammoniaalum graduate ammoniumalum potassiumalum alumna potashalum tawas tawash tawes adjuvant fixative mordant purifier clarifier coagulant flocculant precipitant alumina aluminous aluminize

Synonyms by register

Formal

graduate alumnus alumna

Informal

grad old student

Antonyms

beginner novice newcomer underclassman freshman

Common collocations

  • former student
  • school alum
  • university alum
  • college alum
  • class alum
  • proud alum
  • distinguished alum

Word family

noun alum

Usage note

While 'alum' is commonly used informally, its formal counterparts are 'alumnus' (male) and 'alumna' (female). The plural is 'alumni'.

Example sentences

  1. I used alum to purify the water for our camping trip.
  2. The leather tanner used alum to treat the hides.
  3. The baker used alum as a key ingredient in the baking powder.
  4. Alum is a common ingredient in many household items.
  5. The alum solution was used to clarify the water in the pool.

Quotes

  • The purest ore is dug out of the earth, and the space made by the miner is first occupied by a shadow; but afterwards the alum shines out like silver.
  • The alum of the English universities is sometimes compared with the scholastic theology itself.
  • There is no difficulty in producing the alum from coal shale.

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