Alums

Alums is a plural form most often used to refer to former students of a school or university. In standard English, alumni is the plural for a group of men or a mixed-gender group, while alumnae is used for a group of women. Alum is the singular informal form, and alums is the informal plural. The word derives from Latin alumnus and alumna, with English back-formation producing the colloquial plural alums. In formal writing, alumni is generally preferred, with alumnae used for all-female groups.

Alums maintain ongoing relationships with their institutions through alumni associations, networks, and events such as reunions. These organizations often engage in fundraising, mentorship, career services, and continuing education offerings, and may publish alumni magazines or newsletters. The term can reflect an identity tied to the institution and can support professional networking and philanthropy.

In chemistry, alums refers to alum salts, hydrated double sulfates of aluminum with various cations, such as potassium aluminum sulfate. These compounds have historical uses as mordants in dyeing, antiseptics, and in water purification, among other applications. The plural form is used when discussing multiple compounds or samples.