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Definition of "gum" []

  • Any of various viscous substances that are exuded by certain plants and trees and dry into water-soluble, noncrystalline, brittle solids. (noun)
  • A similar plant exudate, such as a resin. (noun)
  • Any of various adhesives made from such exudates or other sticky substance. (noun)
  • A substance resembling the viscous substance exuded by certain plants, as in stickiness. (noun)
  • Any of various trees of the genera Eucalyptus, Liquidambar, or Nyssa that are sources of gum. Also called gum tree. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "gum" in a sentence
  • "Where chewing gum translates as fresh mouth plastic"
  • "That same month the military reported he received seven Slim Jims – a dried meat snack – and a pack of gum from a visiting attorney."
  • "Dogs are frequently poisoned by ingesting sugar-free baked goods like muffins or candy (gum is a common problem), which they steal out of bowls or off counter tops."