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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

aluminum

al-uu-MIHN-yuhm

Also spelled aluminium (UK spelling)

Aluminum (noun) means the American, Canadian, and Philippine spelling of aluminium, the lightweight silvery metal. Example: “The pan is made of aluminum for even heating.”

noun
1
The American, Canadian, and Philippine spelling of aluminium, the lightweight silvery metal.
"The pan is made of aluminum for even heating."

How to Use Aluminum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe North American spelling of the metal known elsewhere as aluminium.

UK vs US

Standard in the US and Canada; most other English-speaking countries use "aluminium."

Easily confused with

Word Forms

aluminums plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pan is made of _____ for even heating.

Etymology

Coined by British chemist Humphry Davy in 1812, from an earlier form "alumium."

· First attested 1812

Class of 1812 aluminum joined the language around 1812.
See the full Class of 1812 →

Rhymes for aluminum

See all rhymes for aluminum →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “aluminum” mean?

The word “aluminum” means the American, Canadian, and Philippine spelling of aluminium, the lightweight silvery metal. In plain terms, the North American spelling of the metal known elsewhere as aluminium.

How do you pronounce “aluminum”?

“Aluminum” is pronounced al-uu-MIHN-yuhm (/əˈlu.mɪ.nəm/ in IPA).

How do you use “aluminum” in a sentence?

Here is “aluminum” used in a sentence: “The pan is made of aluminum for even heating.”

What part of speech is “aluminum”?

“Aluminum” is a noun.

Where does the word “aluminum” come from?

The word “aluminum” dates back to around 1812. Coined by British chemist Humphry Davy in 1812, from an earlier form "alumium.".

Is “aluminum” a common word?

“Aluminum” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial