gum meaning and definition

GUM noun

Definition of gum (noun)

1. a preparation (usually made of sweetened chicle) for chewing
   • synonyms: chewing gum
2. the tissue (covered by mucous membrane) of the jaws that surrounds the bases of the teeth
   • synonyms: gingiva
3. any of various substances (soluble in water) that exude from certain plants; they are gelatinous when moist but harden on drying
4. cement consisting of a sticky substance that is used as an adhesive
   • synonyms: glue, mucilage
5. wood or lumber from any of various gum trees especially the sweet gum
   • synonyms: gumwood
6. any of various trees of the genera Eucalyptus or Liquidambar or Nyssa that are sources of gum
   • synonyms: gum tree

GUM verb

Definition of gum (verb)

1. cover, fill, fix or smear with or as if with gum
   • "if you gum the tape it is stronger"
2. grind with the gums; chew without teeth and with great difficulty
   • "the old man had no teeth left and mumbled his food"
   • synonyms: mumble
3. become sticky
4. exude or form gum
   • "these trees gum in the Spring"