gum
Pronunciation: (gum), [key]
— n., v., gummed, gum•ming.
—n.
- any of various viscid, amorphous exudations from plants, hardening on exposure to air and soluble in or forming a viscid mass with water.
- any of various similar exudations, as resin.
- a preparation of such a substance, as for use in the arts or bookbinding.
- See
- mucilage; glue.
- rubber (def. 1).
- See
- the adhesive by which a postage stamp is affixed. Cf. o.g. (def. 1).
- a rubber overshoe or boot.
—v.t.
- to smear, stiffen, or stick together with gum.
- to clog with or as if with some gummy substance.
—v.i.
- to exude or form gum.
- to become gummy.
- to become clogged with a gummy substance.
- to spoil or ruin.
- See(def. 14).
gum
Pronunciation: (gum), [key]
— n., v., gummed, gum•ming.
—n.
- Often,Also calledthe firm, fleshy tissue covering the alveolar parts of either jaw and enveloping the necks of the teeth.
- to talk excessively or ineffectively.
—v.t.
- to masticate (food) with the gums instead of teeth.
- to shape or renew the teeth of (a saw), as by grinding.
gum
Pronunciation: (gum), [key]
— by gum,
- (used as a mild oath).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.