Pronunciation: [ˈaləm] (IPA) 
The word "alum" can be tricky to spell due to its unique pronunciation. It is pronounced as /ˈæləm/ using IPA phonetic transcription. The "a" in "alum" sounds like the short "a" in "cat." The "l" and "m" sounds are pronounced normally, but the "u" at the end is not emphasized and sounds like a weak "uh" sound. It is important to remember the correct spelling of "alum" as it is commonly used in science and chemical industries.
Alum, commonly known as alum crystal or potash alum, is a term that refers to a group of chemical compounds with a specific chemical formula. It is a double sulfate salt consisting of an alkali metal, typically potassium, sodium, or ammonium, combined with aluminum sulfate. The most commonly used alum is potassium alum, which has the chemical formula KAl(SO4)2·12H2O.
Alum has been used for centuries across various industries due to its wide range of applications. One primary use of alum is as a mordant or dye fixative in the textile industry, as it helps in stabilizing colors and increasing the permanence of dyes on fabrics. Additionally, it is also utilized in the paper manufacturing process to improve paper strength and reduce ink bleeding.
In the field of medicine, alum has been historically employed as an astringent and antiseptic. It can be used topically to alleviate minor skin irritations, minor cuts, or canker sores. However, it is essential to note that alum should not be ingested or applied directly on open wounds without medical supervision, as it can be harmful.
Alum is also utilized in a variety of other applications, including water purification, food preservation, and even as a flame retardant. It is known for its ability to clarify water by settling impurities and removing suspended particles. Furthermore, it has antimicrobial properties that contribute to preserving food products and inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing bacteria.
While alum has demonstrated numerous practical uses throughout history, its potential health risks and alternative options have led to a decline in its various applications. As a result, its usage has diminished in some sectors, giving rise to the development and employment of safer substitutes.
A double sulphate of aluminum and of an alkaline earth or ammonium; the potassium salt is official as alumen in the U.S.P., both the potassium and the ammonium salts in the B.P. Chemically, an alum is any one of the double salts formed by a combination of a sulphate of aluminum, iron, manganese, chromium, or gallium, on one side, with a sulphate of lithium, sodium, potassium, ammonium, caesium, or rubidium, on the other.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A white saline substance used in medicine and dyeing.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word alum originated from the Latin word alumen or alun, which was derived from the Greek word alunon.
