Definition of "alum" in English

noun

1. 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).

2. (inorganic chemistry) 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.

verb

1. (transitive) To steep in, or otherwise impregnate with, a solution of alum; to treat with alum.

noun

1. (Canada, US) A past attendee or graduate (of any gender) of a college, university or other educational institution.

   • 1961 Spring, Anchora of Delta Gamma, Volume LXXVII, No. 3, page 59, Evanston-North Shore alums are happy to open their homes to Sigma actives for special social events.