a preparation (usually made of sweetened chicle) for chewing
"She reached into her bag to pull out a piece of gum and chew it while waiting for the bus."
any of various substances (soluble in water) that exude from certain plants; they are gelatinous when moist but harden on drying
"The chewy, sweet gum extracted from the sap of the gummy tree is often used as a thickening agent in natural food products."
The flesh around the teeth.
"The patient was referred to GUM after being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection."
Any of various viscous or sticky substances that are exuded by certain plants.
Initialism of genitourinary medicine.
In plain English: Gum refers to medical care focused on the health of your urinary tract and reproductive organs.
"The clinic specializes in gum care and testing."
Usage: As a noun referring to the plant-based adhesive found in trees, gum is distinct from "glue," which typically refers to man-made adhesives derived from other materials. When used as a verb meaning to make something sticky by applying this substance, it specifically describes the action of coating an object with such natural resin rather than using synthetic paste.
To chew, especially of a toothless person or animal.
"The mechanic carefully gummed the broken plastic pieces together before waiting for them to set."
To apply an adhesive or gum to; to make sticky by applying a sticky substance to.
In plain English: To gum something means to stick it with a gooey substance.
"She carefully gummed the envelope flap closed before mailing the letter."
A surname.
"Mr. Gum waved enthusiastically from his porch."
The word "gum" comes from Old English where it originally meant the roof of the mouth. Over time, its meaning shifted to refer specifically to the soft tissue lining our jaws and teeth before entering Middle English as "gom.