noun
alum
A chemical compound used in water purification, pickling, and as an astringent. In everyday contexts, it may appear in discussions of food additives or traditional remedies.
ミョウバンは水の浄化に使われる。
Alum is used for water purification.
ナスの漬物にミョウバンを入れると色がきれいになる。
Adding alum to eggplant pickles makes the color bright.
The Japanese word みょうばん is a borrowing from Chinese 明礬 (míngfán), meaning 'alum'. The kanji 明 (bright) and 礬 (alum) reflect the compound's appearance and use.