corundum
nounUK, US /kəˈɹʌn.dəm/
Etymology From Tamil குருந்தம் (kuruntam, “ruby, sapphire”) First attested in the early 18th century.
1
Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mineralogy, Natural sciences, Physical sciences An extremely hard mineral, a form of aluminum oxide with the chemical formula Al₂O₃, that occurs in the form of the gemstones sapphire and ruby; it is used as an abrasive.
- Derived terms
- alundum, carborundum, silundum