gumdrop
UK[ˈɡʌmdrɒp]US[ˈɡʌmdrɑːp]
n
a small, firm, jelly-like candy made with gelatin or gum arabic, often coated with sugar.
n
a type of small, chewy candy, typically fruit-flavored and brightly colored.
Morpheme Breakdown
gum
drop
gum
sticky substance
drop
small rounded piece
Etymology
the word 'gumdrop' is a transparent english compound from the 19th century, combining 'gum' and 'drop'. the 'gum' element refers to the primary binding agent used in the candy's original recipes, such as gum arabic or gelatin, which gives it a chewy, adhesive quality. the 'drop' element describes its physical form, a small, rounded piece, akin to a droplet of congealed material. thus, the term literally and logically denotes a small, gum-based confection shaped like a drop. its creation reflects the straightforward naming practices for new food items during the period of industrial confectionery development.
Analysis
Structure: gum (sticky substance) + drop (small rounded piece)
- gum: from middle english 'gome' (gum of the mouth), from old english 'gōma' (palate, inside of the mouth), of germanic origin. in this compound, it refers to the sticky, gelatinous substance used in making the candy.
- drop: from old english 'dropa' (a drop of liquid), of germanic origin. in this compound, it refers to the small, rounded shape of the candy, resembling a drop.
Examples
she filled the glass jar with an assortment of colorful gumdrops.
the recipe for old-fashioned gumdrops often includes fruit juice and gelatin.
he decorated the gingerbread house with licorice and gumdrops.