- a crystalline solid, aluminum potassium sulfate, K2SO4⋅Al2(SO4)3⋅24H2O, used in medicine as an astringent and styptic, in dyeing and tanning, and in many technical processes.
- one of a class of double sulfates analogous to aluminum potassium sulfate, as aluminum ammonium sulfate, having the general formula R2SO4⋅X2(SO4)3⋅24H2O, where R is a univalent alkali metal or ammonium, and X one of a number of trivalent metals.
- (not in technical use) aluminum sulfate.
- an alumna or alumnus: Nearly 45 of us alums went on a day trip on the river to celebrate graduation.
- aluminum.
- a colourless soluble hydrated double sulphate of aluminium and potassium used in the manufacture of mordants and pigments, in dressing leather and sizing paper, and in medicine as a styptic and astringent. Formula: K 2 SO 4 .Al 2 (SO 4) 3 .24H 2 O
- any of a group of isomorphic double sulphates of a monovalent metal or group and a trivalent metal. Formula: X 2 SO 4 .Y 2 (SO 4) 3 .24H 2 O, where X is monovalent and Y is trivalent