gum1
n.
- a viscous secretion of some trees and shrubs that hardens on drying but is soluble in water.
▸a sticky secretion collecting in the corner of the eye.
- glue used for sticking paper or other light materials together.
- chewing gum or bubble gum.
- a gum tree, especially a eucalyptus.
- North American term for gumboot.
v.
(gums, gumming, gummed)
cover or fasten with gum or glue.
▸
(gum something up)
clog up a mechanism and prevent it from working properly.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. gomme, based on L. gummi, from Gk kommi, from Egyptian kemai.
gum2
n.
the firm area of flesh around the roots of the teeth in the jaw.
v.
(gums, gumming, gummed)
N. Amer. chew with toothless gums.
Etymology
OE gōma ‘inside of the mouth or throat’, of Gmc origin.
gum3
n.
(
in phr. by gum!)
chiefly N. English an exclamation used for emphasis.
Etymology
C19: euphemistic alt. of God.