|
Gum
1. Any of various viscous substances that are exuded by certain plants and
trees and dry into water-soluble, non-crystalline, brittle solids. Gum often is
used by the trees to deflect damage in their wounds from insects.
2. Chewing gum. My wife is addicted to chewing gum.
2. The firm connective tissue covered by mucous membrane that envelopes the
alveolar arches of the jaw and surrounds the bases of the teeth. Disease of the
gums can lead to the loss of teeth.
3. To chew (food) with toothless gums. The old lady had to gum her food.
4. To ruin or bungle. His bad behavior gummed up the works.
Back to 5000 Word List 245
|