alum
/ˈæl.əm/
/ˈæl.əm/
/əˈlʌm/
noun
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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).
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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.
Synonyms:
potash alum
verb
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To steep in, or otherwise impregnate with, a solution of alum; to treat with alum.
noun
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(shortening) A past attendee or graduate (of either gender) of a college, university or other educational institution.