aluminum

noun

alu·​mi·​num ə-ˈlü-mə-nəm 

: a silver-white metallic chemical element with atomic number 13 that has good electrical and thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and resistance to oxidation

—often used before another noun

aluminum foil

The sweet spot, the point in a bat where vibration supposedly is least, is said to be two times larger on an aluminum bat than on a wood one.

—Hank Hersch

Before he evacuated, Mr. Gonzales tied the boat down with four gigantic ropes and all the storm could do was knock it off the construction blocks. He slowly climbs a battered aluminum ladder propped up on the port side.

—Ken Wells

see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of aluminum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ebike is also reported compatible with Priority's optional rack extender, which could bump the total capacity to 1,200 Wh. Priority Bicycles Elsewhere, the 6061 aluminum frame's head tube angle has been tweaked to 68-5 degrees for the promise of smoother control and enhanced stability. —Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 6 Dec. 2024

According to a Wells Fargo analysis, steel and aluminum taxes require an approval process from the U.S. Department of Commerce that can take up to nine months. —Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024

This aluminum Jsaux 7-in-1 Steam Deck Dock will do the job, with three USB-A ports, a DisplayPort, an HDMI, a USB-C, and even an Ethernet port. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 3 Dec. 2024

Customers love the high-quality materials and durability of the aluminum frame and resin foundation. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alumine "alumina" (borrowed from French, borrowed from Latin alūmin-, alūmen alum entry 1) + -um (in the names of other metals, as platinum entry 1, tantalum)

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing aluminum

• aluminum foil
• aluminum oxide
• aluminum sulfate

Kids Definition

aluminum

noun

alu·​mi·​num ə-ˈlü-mə-nəm 

: a silver-white malleable light element that conducts electricity and heat well, is highly resistant to oxidation, and is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust see element

Medical Definition

aluminum

noun

alu·​mi·​num ə-ˈlü-mə-nəm 

: a silver-white malleable ductile light trivalent metallic chemical element with atomic number 13 that has good electrical and thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and resistance to oxidation

—symbol Al see Chemical Elements Table