Emily Dickinson Lexicon

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.