The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word ALUM
A
L
U
M
More clues leading to the result ALUM
- Lily has a change of direction in compound
- Chemical in a shapeless mass not soft
- Chemical coming from a chimney on the Clyde?
- Disney movie doesn’t end up in compound
- Rudely maul homecoming guest
- Rejected formulae containing chemical compound
- Chinese heroine recoiled forgetting finishing touch of foundation compound
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "chemical compound" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case chemical compound = alum.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ALUM mean?
ALUM noun- An astringent salt, usually occurring in the form of pale crystals, much used in the dyeing and tanning trade and in certain medicines, and now understood to be a double sulphate of potassium and aluminium (K2SO4·Al2(SO4)3·24H2O).
- Any similar double sulphate in which either or both of the potassium and aluminium is wholly or partly replaced by other univalent or tervalent cations.
- To steep in, or otherwise impregnate with, a solution of alum; to treat with alum.
- (shortening) A past attendee or graduate (of either gender) of a college, university or other educational institution.