Dictionary
gum
Pronunciation: (gum), [key]
—n., v., gummed, gum•ming.
—
n.
1. any of various viscid, amorphous exudations from plants, hardening on exposure to air and soluble in or forming a viscid mass with water.
2. any of various similar exudations, as resin.
3. a preparation of such a substance, as for use in the arts or bookbinding.
4. See
chewing gum.
5. mucilage; glue.
6. rubber
1 (def. 1).
7. See
gum tree.
8. Philately.the adhesive by which a postage stamp is affixed. Cf.
o.g. (def. 1).
9. Informal.a rubber overshoe or boot.
—
v.t.
1. to smear, stiffen, or stick together with gum.
2. to clog with or as if with some gummy substance.
—
v.i.
1. to exude or form gum.
2. to become gummy.
3. to become clogged with a gummy substance.
4. gum up, Slang.to spoil or ruin.
5. gum up the works. See
work (def. 14).
gum
Pronunciation: (gum), [key]
—n., v., gummed, gum•ming.
—
n.
1. Often,
gums. Also called
gingiva. the firm, fleshy tissue covering the alveolar parts of either jaw and enveloping the necks of the teeth.
2. beat one's gums, Slang.to talk excessively or ineffectively.
—
v.t.
1. to masticate (food) with the gums instead of teeth.
2. to shape or renew the teeth of (a saw), as by grinding.
gum
Pronunciation: (gum), [key]—
interj. by gum,
(used as a mild oath).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
