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Glite Dictionary
chrome alum

chrome alum

9.9
A violet salt used to tan leather and help dyes stay on fabric
  • noun
  • /kroʊm ˈæləm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : alumbre de cromo
  • Dyers add chrome alum as a mordant to help colors set in fabrics.

Examples

  • The leather industry often uses chrome alum for tanning hides.

  • The distinctive violet hue of chrome alum makes it easily recognizable in a laboratory.

  • The artist uses chrome alum to enhance the colors of the fabric.

  • Can you find some chrome alums for the dyeing process?

  • Dyers add chrome alum as a mordant to help colors set in fabrics.

  • The leather industry often uses chrome alum for tanning hides.

  • The distinctive violet hue of chrome alum makes it easily recognizable in a laboratory.

Surface Forms

chrome alum singular
chrome alums plural

Morphology

chrome + alum

The compound is compositionally transparent: 'chrome' denotes chromium/chromium-based and 'alum' denotes a double-sulfate salt, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it is an alum containing chromium used in dyeing or tanning. Although technical/chemical, the modifier+noun structure makes the meaning predictable from the constituents.

Etymology

Chrome alum gets its name from its look and use: chrome comes from an old word for 'color' because the salt is violet, and alum is a common 'salt' used to help colors set in fabrics and to tan hides. So the name helps you remember it is a colored alum salt used in dyeing and tanning.