gum1
¦ noun
1. 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.
2. glue used for sticking paper or other light materials together.
3. chewing gum or bubble gum.
4. a gum tree, especially a eucalyptus.
5. North American term for
gumboot.
¦ verb (gums, gumming, gummed) cover or fasten with gum or glue.
?(gum something up) clog up a mechanism and prevent it from working properly.
Origin
ME: from OFr. gomme, based on L. gummi, from Gk kommi, from Egyptian kemai.
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gum2
¦ noun the firm area of flesh around the roots of the teeth in the jaw.
¦ verb (gums, gumming, gummed) N. Amer. chew with toothless gums.
Origin
OE goma 'inside of the mouth or throat', of Gmc origin.
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gum3
¦ noun (in phr. by gum!) chiefly N. English an exclamation used for emphasis.
Origin
C19: euphemistic alt. of God.