aluminous cement: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical
Quick answer
What does “aluminous cement” mean?
A type of cement made from bauxite and limestone, known for its rapid hardening and high early strength.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of cement made from bauxite and limestone, known for its rapid hardening and high early strength.
A hydraulic cement with a high alumina content, used in specialized construction where resistance to high temperatures, sulfates, or seawater is required, and where quick setting is advantageous.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The technical term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both UK and US English, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “aluminous cement” in a Sentence
Aluminous cement is used for [purpose]The structure was repaired with aluminous cement.Aluminous cement contains [percentage] alumina.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aluminous cement” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The aluminous cement mix set remarkably quickly.
- They specified an aluminous cement mortar for the refractory lining.
American English
- The aluminous cement mixture cured extremely fast.
- An aluminous cement grout was required for the job.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, might appear in procurement or specification documents for construction projects.
Academic
Common in materials science, civil engineering, and chemistry papers or textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Used in engineering specifications, data sheets, and technical manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aluminous cement”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aluminous cement”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aluminous cement”
- Using 'aluminous cement' to refer to standard Portland cement.
- Misspelling as 'aluminum cement' (US) or 'aluminium cement' (UK) – the adjective is 'aluminous'.
- Assuming it is suitable for all construction purposes, when it has specific applications.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are chemically different. Aluminous cement is based on calcium aluminates, while Portland cement is based on calcium silicates. They have different properties and uses.
It is used in specialized applications requiring rapid hardening, high early strength, or resistance to high temperatures, sulfates, or weak acids. It is not a general-purpose replacement for Portland cement.
'Ciment Fondu' is a well-known trademark for a specific brand of high-alumina (aluminous) cement. The name has become somewhat generic in some technical circles, similar to 'Hoover' for vacuum cleaners.
Yes. If improperly used, especially in structural concrete in warm, wet conditions, it can suffer from a strength-loss phenomenon called 'conversion'. It requires careful specification and application by qualified professionals.
A type of cement made from bauxite and limestone, known for its rapid hardening and high early strength.
Aluminous cement is usually technical in register.
Aluminous cement: in British English it is pronounced /əˈluːmɪnəs sɪˈmɛnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈlumənəs səˈmɛnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ALUMINous' – it's the ALUMINium (alumina) content that makes this cement special and strong.
Conceptual Metaphor
CEMENT AS A BINDING AGENT (primary), SPECIALISED TOOL FOR A SPECIFIC JOB.
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary characteristic of aluminous cement?