1.
[syn: corundom, corundum]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Corundum \Co*run"dum\ (k[-o]*r[u^]n"d[u^]m), n.; pl. Corundums
(k[-o]*r[u^]n"d[u^]mz). [Also corindon.] [From Hind. kurand
corundum stone.] (Min.)
The mineral alumina (Al2O3), as found native in a
crystalline state. Transparent varieties are used as
gemstones, including sapphire, which is the fine blue
variety; the oriental ruby, or red sapphire; the oriental
amethyst, or purple sapphire; and adamantine spar, the
hair-brown variety. It is the hardest substance found native,
next to the diamond.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
Note: The name corundum is sometimes restricted to the
non-transparent or coarser kinds. Emery is a
dark-colored granular variety, usually admixed with
magnetic iron ore.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
corundum
n 1: very hard mineral used as an abrasive [syn: corundom,
corundum]