Dictionary: AL-TIM'ETER – A-LUM'NUS

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AL-TIM'ETER, n. [L. altus, high, and Gr. μετρον, measure. See Measure and Mode.]

An instrument for taking altitudes by geometrical principles, as a geometrical quadrant.

AL-TIM'E-TRY, n.

The art of ascertaining altitudes by means of a proper instrument, and by trigonometrical principles without actual measuration.

AL'TIN, n.

A money of account in Russia, value three kopecks, or about three cents; also a lake in Siberia, ninety miles in length. – Tooke. Encyc.

AL-TIN'CAR, n.

A species of factitious salt or powder, used in the fusion and purification of metals, prepared in various ways. [See Tincal.] – Encyc.

AL-TIS'O-NANT, or AL-TIS'O-NOUS, a. [L. altus, high, and sonans, sounding; sonus, sound.]

High sounding; lofty or pompous, as language. – Evelyn.

AL'TI-TUDE, n. [L. altitudo, of altus, high, and a common termination, denoting state, condition, or manner.]

  1. Space extended upward; highth; the elevation of an object above its foundation; as, the altitude of a mountain, or column; or the elevation of an object or place above the surface on which we stand, or above the earth; as, the altitude of a cloud or meteor; or the elevation of one object above another, as of a bird above the top of a tree.
  2. The elevation of a point, or star, or other object above the horizon. This is true or apparent altitude; true, when taken from the rational, or real horizon; apparent, when taken from the sensible, or apparent horizon.
  3. Figuratively, high degree; superior excellence; highest point of excellence. He is proud to be altitude of his virtue. – Shak. The altitude of the eye, in perspective, is a right line let fall from the eye, perpendicular to the geometrical plane. – Encyc. Meridian altitude, is an arch of the meridian between the horizon and any star or point on the meridian.

AL-TIV'O-LANT, a. [L. altus, high, and volans, flying.]

Flying high.

AL'TO, a. [It. from L. altus.]

High. Alto and Basso, high and low, in old law, terms used to signify a submission of all differences of every kind to arbitration.

AL-TO-GETH'ER, adv. [all and together. See Together.]

Wholly; entirely; completely; without exception. Every man at his best estate is altogether vanity. – Ps. xxxix.

AL'TO-OC-TA-VO, adv. [It.]

An octave higher.

AL'TO-RE-LIE'VO, n. [It.]

High relief, in sculpture, is the projection of a figure, half or more, without being entirely detached. – Cyc.

AL'TO-RI-PIE'NO, n. [It.]

The tenor of the great chorus, which sings and plays only in particular places. – Encyc.

AL'TO-VI-O-LA, n. [It.]

A small tenor viol.

AL'TO-VI-O-LI-NO, n. [It.]

A small tenor violin.

AL'U-DEL, n. [a and lutum, without lute. Lunier.]

In chimistry, aludels are earthern pots without bottoms, that they may be exactly fitted into each other, and used in sublimations. At the bottom of the furnace is a pot containing the matter to be sublimed, and at the top a head to receive the volatile matter. – Quincy. Encyc.

AL'UM, n. [L. alumen.]

A triple sulphate of alumina and potassa. This substance is white, transparent and very astringent; but seldom found pure or crystalized. This salt is usually prepared by roasting and lixiviating certain clays containing pyrites, and to the lye adding a certain quantity of potassa; the salt is then obtained by crystalization. Alum is of great use in medicine and the arts. In medicine, it is used as an astringent; internally, in hemoptoë, diarrhea, and dysentery; externally, as a styptic applied to bleeding vessels, and as an escharotic. In the arts, it is used in dyeing, to fix colors; in making candles, for hardening the tallow; in tanning, for restoring the cohesion of skins. – Encyc. Fourcroy.

AL'UM, v.t.

In dyeing, to impregnate or steep in a solution of alum. – Ure.

AL'UM-EARTH, n.

A massive mineral, of a blackish brown color, a dull luster, and soft consistence. – Ure.

A-LU'MIN-A, n.

An earth, or earthy substance, which has been considered to be elementary, and called pure clay; but recently, chimical experiments have shown it to be a metallic oxyd, to the base of which has been given the name aluminum. Alumina is destitute of taste and smell. When moistened with water, it forms a cohesive and ductile mass, susceptible of being kneaded into regular forms. – Davy. Cyc.

A-LU'MIN-I-FORM, a.

Having the form of alumina. – Chaptal.

AL'U-MIN-ITE, n.

Subsulphate of alumina; a mineral that occurs in small roundish or reniform masses. Its color is snow white or yellowish white. – Aikin. Jameson. Cleaveland.

A-LU'MIN-OUS, a.

Pertaining to alum or alumina, or partaking of the same properties.

A-LU'MIN-UM, n.

The name given to the metallic base of alumina.

AL'UM-ISH, a.

Having the nature of alum; somewhat resembling alum.

A-LUM'NUS, n. [L. from alo, to nourish.]

A pupil; one educated at a seminary is called an alumnus of that institution.