Alums are substances that are commonly referred to as potassium aluminum sulfate. They are used in many different ways, including for cosmetics, food additives, and water treatment. Although alums are widely used, there are several other words that can be used to describe them. For example, some people may refer to them as sulfate of alumina, aluminum potassium sulfate, or potassium aluminum phosphate. These synonyms all refer to the same substance and are often used interchangeably. Additionally, alums come in different forms, including liquid, solid, and powder, which can also affect the choice of terminology used to describe them.