gum

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the tissue, covered by mucous membrane, of the jaws that surrounds the bases of the teeth

   The dentist said my gums were in excellent shape.

2. 2
   noun

   any of various substances, soluble in water, that exude from certain plants

   The gum oozed out of the tree trunk.

3. 3
   verb

   exude or form gum

   these trees gum in the Spring

4. 4
   verb

   cover, fill, fix or smear with or as if with gum

   if you gum the tape it is stronger

5. 5
   noun

   A viscous water-soluble carbohydrate exudate of certain plants that hardens when it becomes dry, or such a substance as a component of a plant exudate.

   gum arabic

6. 6
   noun

   Any viscous or sticky substance resembling the true gum.

   gum benzoin

7. 7
   noun

   A single piece of chewing gum.

   Do you have a gum to spare?

8. 8
   verb

   To apply an adhesive or gum to; to make sticky by applying a sticky substance to.

   However, Albert said in his audiotape and in his speech that a lever designed to release the lifeboat's block and tackle was gummed up with red paint.

Etymology

From Middle English gomme, gumme, borrowed from Anglo-Norman gome, from Late Latin gumma, from Latin cummi, gummi, from Ancient Greek κόμμι (kómmi), from Egyptian qmy (“anointing oil”), qmyt (“acanthus resin, gum”). Cognate with Spanish goma (“rubber”). Doublet of gumma.