corundum

noun

co·​run·​dum kə-ˈrən-dəm How to pronounce corundum (audio)
: a very hard mineral that consists of aluminum oxide occurring in massive and crystalline forms, that can be synthesized, and that is used for gemstones (such as ruby and sapphire) and as an abrasive

Examples of corundum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At $950, the luxury wearable is made from black synthetic corundum with 18-karat yellow gold braided torchon detailing and a signature interlocking G logo. Sara Klausing, Men's Health, 4 Nov. 2022 According to a new study, the night side is cold enough to form metal clouds of iron and corundum. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 25 Feb. 2022 The temperature differences between the two sides of the planet also mean that the nightside is cool enough for metal clouds made of iron and corundum to form. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 21 Feb. 2022 Known for their red color, rubies are part of the corundum family of gemstones, which are gems that are compact and dense, according to the International Gem Society. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 27 Oct. 2021 Left side: 31 round diamonds, blue corundum stone and bricks and ivy silhouette. Kori Rumore, chicagotribune.com, 18 Oct. 2021 With a Mohs hardness score just a point shy of diamond’s, corundum becomes a red ruby through the timely addition of chromium atoms. Natalie Angier, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2017 After all, sapphires and rubies are built of the same basic mineral, corundum, a crystallized collaboration of aluminum and oxygen that would be transparent and colorless if not for some artful chemical doping. Natalie Angier, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'corundum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Tamil kuruntam; akin to Sanskrit kuruvinda ruby

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of corundum was in 1804

Dictionary Entries Near corundum

Cite this Entry

“Corundum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corundum. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

corundum

noun
co·​run·​dum kə-ˈrən-dəm How to pronounce corundum (audio)
: a very hard mineral of aluminum oxide used for grinding, smoothing, or polishing or in some crystalline forms as a gem (as ruby or sapphire)

Medical Definition

corundum

noun
co·​run·​dum kə-ˈrən-dəm How to pronounce corundum (audio)
: a very hard mineral Al2O3 that consists of alumina occurring in massive form and as variously colored crystals which include the ruby and sapphire

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