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

But costs will come down as companies learn how to produce the cars more efficiently, Mr. Biswas said — for example, by eliminating rare minerals from electric motors or replacing copper wiring with aluminum. —Jack Ewing, New York Times, 3 June 2024

The shafts are made of high-quality 7000-series aluminum for durability and the FlickLock allows for easy adjustments and smooth transitions. —Jean Chen Smith, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2024

Separately, the Biden administration also decided to hike import fees on Chinese steel and aluminum, semiconductors, electric vehicles, EV batteries, and solar panels. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 30 May 2024

Made entirely of lightweight aluminum, the 140-footer showcases the sleek, sculptural lines and low, streamlined profile of a sports car but runs more like an EV. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from alumina

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 

often attributive

: a bluish silver-white malleable ductile light trivalent metallic element that has good electrical and thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and resistance to oxidation and is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust where it always occurs in combination

—symbol Al see Chemical Elements Table