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

Cambio Roasters: The aluminum K-cup pod maker is giving you a chance to win a year's supply. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 28 Sep. 2024

Specializing in composite construction up to 78 feet (24 meters) in the Slovenian shipyard, the GX team needed to select a new build partner experienced in building larger aluminum yachts. —Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024

The rare-metal alloy enables the aluminum to react with water to release hydrogen. —Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Sep. 2024

Investing in durable camp cutlery, like this aluminum cutlery set, can also save money otherwise spent on disposable forks, knives, and spoons in the long term. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 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