alum etymology

Etymology:

• Latin: "alumen" (an alum salt)
• Greek: "als" (salt)

Meaning:

• A colorless, water-soluble, double sulfate salt of aluminum and potassium or ammonium.
• A substance used as a styptic, mordant, and in water purification.
• A class of compounds with the general formula MAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O, where M is a monovalent cation such as sodium, potassium, or ammonium.

Origin:

The word "alum" is derived from the Greek word "als," which means "salt." The Latin word "alumen" was later adopted into English and other European languages to refer specifically to the sulfate salt of aluminum and potassium that was commonly used as a styptic and mordant.

Additional Notes:

• The word "alum" is often used to refer to potassium alum (KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O), but it can also refer to other compounds with similar structures and properties.
• Alum salts have been used for centuries for a variety of applications, including stop bleeding, dyeing fabrics, and purifying water.
• Alum is still used today in various industries, including the food, textile, and pharmaceutical industries.

alum relate terms

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• potassium

  Etymology Greek ποτάσσα potassa meaning pot ash French potasse Meaning

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• manual

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• idea

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