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

Original Tin Woodman actor Buddy Ebsen was the first to go down, since the aluminum dust in his silver body makeup got into his lungs, nearly killing him. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2024

Its materials aren't as nice—an aluminum shaft with a fiberglass frame. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 27 Nov. 2024

Apple Watch Series 10 With GPS, 42mm Case With a light blush sport band, a matching rose gold aluminum case, and a smaller screen, this aesthetically beautiful and low-profile watch comes with all the bells and whistles of an Apple Watch Series 10, minus cell service. —Alexis Benveniste, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2024

The first finish is Natural Aluminum and features deep black contrasted against natural toned aluminum. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 26 Nov. 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