high-alumina
|high-a-lu-mi-na|
/haɪ əˈluːmɪnə/
rich in alumina
Etymology
'high-alumina' is a compound formed from 'high' (Old English 'heah', meaning 'tall, elevated') and 'alumina' (Neo-Latin/chemical term derived from Latin 'alumen', 'bitter salt').
'alumina' arose in 19th-century chemical nomenclature from Latin 'alumen' with the suffix '-ina' to denote the oxide; technical compounds like 'high-alumina' developed in modern English as industry-specific descriptors.
Originally 'alumina' referred to substances related to 'alum'; over time it came to denote the specific chemical aluminium oxide (Al2O3). The compound 'high-alumina' later evolved to mean 'rich in that oxide' in technical contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
containing a high proportion of alumina (aluminium oxide, Al2O3); used especially of refractory materials, ceramics, or industrial products that are rich in alumina.
The kiln is lined with high-alumina bricks to withstand extreme temperatures.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/22 01:41