Synonyms for
Alum
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
Synonyms by register
Informal
Antonyms
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'.
Compare "alum" with another word →
Example sentences
- I used alum to purify the water for our camping trip.
- The leather tanner used alum to treat the hides.
- The baker used alum as a key ingredient in the baking powder.
- Alum is a common ingredient in many household items.
- 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.