Plural of alum; chemical compounds used in dyeing, leather tanning, water purification, and various industrial processes.
From Latin 'alumen,' possibly from an Etruscan or Semitic source, referring to a double sulfate salt used since ancient times.
Alum is one of humanity's oldest industrial chemicals—the Egyptians used it for dyeing linen 3,000 years ago, and it's still crucial today, including in water treatment plants and as a natural deodorant!
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