Definition of ALUM

alum

Meanings

Plural: alumni, alums

Noun

  • a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum: the ammonium double sulfate of aluminum
  • a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum: the potassium double sulfate of aluminum
  • a person who has received a degree from a school (high school or college or university)
  • a double sulphate of aluminum and potassium that is used as an astringent (among other things)
  • An astringent salt, usually occurring in the form of pale crystals, much used in the dyeing and tanning trade and in certain medicines, and now understood to be a double sulphate of potassium and aluminium (K₂SO₄·Al₂(SO₄)₃·24H₂O).
  • Any similar double sulphate in which either or both of the potassium and aluminium is wholly or partly replaced by other univalent or tervalent cations.
  • A past attendee or graduate (of any gender) of a college, university or other educational institution.

Verb

  • To steep in, or otherwise impregnate with, a solution of alum; to treat with alum.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English alum, alum, alym, alyme, from Anglo-Norman alum, alun, from Latin alūmen.

Synonyms

alumna, alumni, alumnus, alumnx, ammonia alum, ammonium alum, grad, graduate, potash alum, potassium alum

Scrabble Score: 6

alum is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
alum is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
alum is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 9

alum is a valid Words With Friends word