alumina

American  

[uh-loo-muh-nuh] / əˈlu mə nə /

noun

1. the natural or synthetic oxide of aluminum, Al 2 O 3 , occurring in nature in a pure crystal form as corundum.

---

alumina British  

/ əˈluːmɪnə /

noun

1. another name for aluminium oxide

---

alumina Scientific  

/ ə-lo̅o̅′mə-nə /

1. Any of several forms of aluminum oxide used in aluminum production and in abrasives, refractories, ceramics, and electrical insulation. Alumina occurs naturally as the mineral corundum and, with minor traces of chromium and cobalt, as the minerals ruby and sapphire, respectively. In its hydrated form it also occurs as the rock bauxite. Also called aluminum oxide. Chemical formula: Al ₂ O ₃ .

---

Etymology

Origin of alumina

1780–90; < Latin alūmin-, stem of alūmen alum ¹ + -a ⁴

Compare meaning

How does alumina compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• alumina vs. aluminum

Example Sentences

Canada ranks as one of the world’s major producers of primary aluminum, although its refineries and smelters rely on imports of what is known as smelter-grade alumina.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lower alumina prices and new capacity coming onstream are expected to sustain cost advantages, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal

This year, alumina shipments are expected to be between 11.8 and 12 million tons.

From The Wall Street Journal

Improved price spreads have extended into January, with alumina accounting for just under 10% of aluminium prices, well below the historical average of 17%, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal

The dust matched familiar types of stardust, including silicates and alumina.

From Science Daily