alum; inorganic compound; water purifying agent; astringent
Meanings
4 senses · 8 examplesnoun
alum; an inorganic compound; potassium aluminum sulfate
technicalA specific chemical compound (KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O). Often used in technical or industrial contexts.
Alum is a double salt containing water of crystallization.
This chemical reaction will produce alum.
noun
a water purifying agent; a coagulant
technicalUsed to clarify turbid water by causing impurities to clump together and settle.
In rural areas, people sometimes use alum to purify well water.
The main component of this water purifying agent is alum.
noun
an astringent used in medicine
technicalUsed in medicine to shrink or constrict body tissues, often to stop minor bleeding or reduce secretions.
Some topical hemostatic drugs contain alum.
Alum has astringent and drying effects.
noun
a mordant; a substance used in dyeing and tanning
technicalUsed in the textile industry to fix dyes to fabric, and in leather and paper manufacturing.
This traditional dye requires alum as a mordant.
Alum is used in the tanning process.