aluminum
UK: əˈluːmɪnəm | US: əˈluːmɪnəm
n. a lightweight, silvery-white metallic element (symbol Al), resistant to corrosion and widely used in alloys and packaging.
The word "aluminum" originates from "alumen," the Latin term for alum (a potassium aluminum sulfate compound). British chemist Sir Humphry Davy initially proposed "alumium" in 1808, later refining it to "aluminum." The modern spelling reflects the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) standardization, though "aluminium" (with an extra "-i-") remains common in British English. The suffix "-um" aligns with other metallic element names (e.g., platinum, lanthanum).
Aluminum foil is commonly used for wrapping food.
The aircraft's frame is made of lightweight aluminum alloy.
Recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce it anew.
Aluminum cans are widely used for beverages due to their durability.
The chemist analyzed the aluminum sample for impurities.