gum — A sweet flavored substance that you chew but do not swallow
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A sweet flavored substance that you chew but do not swallow
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɡʌm/
Example Sentences
- The teacher found gum under every desk in the classroom.
- My gums are sore from eating too much pineapple.
- Don't gum up the works with your crazy ideas!
gum
NOUN[/ɡʌm/]
A sweet flavored substance that you chew but do not swallow
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'gum' derives from Middle English 'gomme', borrowed from Old French 'gomme', which came from Latin 'gumma'. The ultimate source is Greek 'kommi', referring to a resinous substance exuded by trees.
Breakdown
Greek 'kommi' (tree resin) → Latin 'gumma' → Old French 'gomme' → Middle English 'gomme' → Modern English 'gum'. The word retained its core meaning of a sticky, viscous substance throughout its etymological journey.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher found gum under every desk in the classroom.”
“My gums are sore from eating too much pineapple.”
“Don't gum up the works with your crazy ideas!”
“She stepped on gum and couldn't get it off her shoe.”
📚Related Words
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