gum
UK[ɡʌm]US[ɡʌm]
n
the firm pink flesh in the mouth that surrounds the base of the teeth
n
a sweet, chewy, flavored candy
n
a sticky substance exuded by some trees and plants, used as glue or adhesive
v
to stick or fasten something with glue or a sticky substance
Etymology
the english word "gum" originates from the old english "gōma," which referred to the palate or the inside of the mouth. this term is of germanic origin, traceable back to the proto-germanic gōmô. the semantic expansion to denote the sticky exudate of plants, first recorded in the late 14th century, likely arose from the substance's use in treating ailments of the mouth and gums. from this meaning, the sense of a chewable, flavored candy developed in the 19th century, completing the word's journey from a specific anatomical term to its broader modern applications.
Analysis
the word "gum" is a simplex word of old english origin, derived from "gōma" meaning "palate, inside of the mouth." its modern senses relating to sticky substances and chewing candy are later developments from this core meaning.
Examples
the dentist said i need to floss more to keep my gums healthy.
she bought a pack of fruit-flavored gum from the store.
he used a strong gum to repair the torn page of the book.