How Do You Spell GUM?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈʌm] (IPA)

The word "gum" is spelled with the letters G, U, and M. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /ɡʌm/. The first sound, /ɡ/, is a voiced velar stop, produced by closing the vocal cords and then releasing a burst of air from the back of the mouth. The vowel sound, /ʌ/, is a mid-central vowel pronounced with the tongue in a neutral position. The final sound, /m/, is a voiced bilabial nasal produced by closing the lips and allowing air to flow through the nasal cavity.

GUM Meaning and Definition

  1. Gum is a noun that refers to a chewable substance that is typically malleable and sticky. It is commonly made from a gum base, a soft material that is derived from various natural or synthetic sources. The most well-known form of gum is chewing gum, a recreational substance often consumed for the purpose of freshening breath, relieving stress, or simply for enjoyment. Chewing gum typically comes in small, rectangular pieces that can be popped into the mouth and chewed.

    In addition to chewing gum, the term "gum" also encompasses other types of sticky substances. For instance, tree gum refers to the resinous substance found in certain trees and is sometimes used in the production of adhesives, varnishes, and even certain types of candy. "Gum" can also describe the adhesive substance found on the back of stamps or envelopes, which enables them to stick to surfaces when moistened.

    Furthermore, the word "gum" is used to describe certain body tissues. The gums, also known as gingiva, are the firm, fleshy oral tissues that surround the teeth, providing support and protection. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, refers to inflammation or infection of the gum tissues, often caused by inadequate dental hygiene.

    Overall, gum encompasses a range of substances, from chewable confectionery products to adhesive substances and oral tissues, each serving different functions.

  2. 1. The dried exuded sap from a number of trees and shrubs, forming an amorphous brittle mass ;it forms usually a mucilaginous solution in water. 2. Gingiva, the fibrous tissue covering the alveolar processes of the jaws; see gums. 3. An acneiform eruption in the infant.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • A vegetable mucilage or glue, found thickened on the surface of certain trees.
    • To smear with gum; to unite with gum.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GUM

Etymology of GUM

The word "gum" has a complex etymology, deriving from various sources.

In the sense of a substance obtained from certain trees, "gum" originates from the Middle English word "gome" or "gume". This term can be traced back to the Old English word "gōma", meaning "palate" or "the roof of the mouth". This Old English word further has Germanic origins, stemming from the Proto-Germanic word "*gaumô".

The "chewing gum" sense of the word has a different origin. "Chewing gum" was known as "chicle gum" originally, as it was made from chicle—a natural gum-like substance extracted from the sapodilla tree. The term "chicle" comes from the Nahuatl (an indigenous language of Mexico) word "tzictli".

Idioms with the word GUM

  • gum up The idiom "gum up" means to cause a dysfunction, obstruction, or complication by introducing a problem or interference in a process or system. It is often used when something is disrupted, blocked, or rendered ineffective due to an external factor or action.
  • gum sth up The idiom "gum something up" means to make something messy, dysfunctional, or inoperable by causing it to become stuck or clogged. It originates from the concept of gumming up a machine or engine, where gum refers to a sticky substance that hinders smooth operation. The phrase is commonly used metaphorically to describe any situation in which something is obstructed, obstructed, or disrupted due to a complication or problem.
  • gum something up The idiom "gum something up" means to cause problems or interfere with the smooth functioning or progress of something. It implies creating a sticky or obstructive situation similar to gum sticking to machinery, impeding its normal operation.
  • gum up sth The idiom "gum up something" means to hinder, obstruct, or cause a malfunction of a system, process, or situation. It refers to the idea of gum (a sticky substance) getting stuck and causing something to become ineffective or inoperable. It implies creating a problem or disruption by introducing complications or difficulties.
  • walk and chew gum (at the same time) The idiom "walk and chew gum (at the same time)" means the ability to handle or perform multiple tasks or activities simultaneously without difficulty. It implies being able to multitask efficiently and effectively.
  • walk and chew gum The idiom "walk and chew gum" refers to the ability to simultaneously perform multiple tasks or handle multiple responsibilities without difficulty or loss of focus. It implies someone who is skilled at multitasking or managing several things at once.
  • gum up the works The idiom "gum up the works" means to obstruct or interfere with a process, system, or machinery, causing it to become inefficient or dysfunctional. It refers to a situation in which something hinders the smooth functioning of an operation, just like sticky gum would impede the movement of gears or machinery.
  • up a gum tree The idiom "up a gum tree" means to be in a difficult or helpless situation, unable to find a solution or escape from a problem. It implies being stuck or stranded with no clear way forward.
  • be up a gum tree To be "up a gum tree" is an idiom that means being in a difficult or challenging situation, often with no obvious solution or way out. The phrase suggests being stuck or trapped, similar to how a person stuck up a tree would be unable to easily come down without assistance. It implies a state of helplessness or being at a loss for what to do.
  • by gum! The phrase "by gum!" is an exclamation used to express surprise, astonishment, or excitement. It is often used to emphasize a statement or to convey genuine enthusiasm.
  • black gum A slang term used to describe someone who talks excessively or constantly.
  • gum benjamin

Similar spelling words for GUM

Conjugate verb Gum

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have gummed
you would have gummed
he/she/it would have gummed
we would have gummed
they would have gummed

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been gumming
you would have been gumming
he/she/it would have been gumming
we would have been gumming
they would have been gumming

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would gum
you would gum
he/she/it would gum
we would gum
they would gum

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be gumming
you would be gumming
he/she/it would be gumming
we would be gumming
they would be gumming

FUTURE

I will gum
you will gum
he/she/it will gum
we will gum
they will gum

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be gumming
you will be gumming
he/she/it will be gumming
we will be gumming
they will be gumming

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have gummed
you will have gummed
he/she/it will have gummed
we will have gummed
they will have gummed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been gumming
you will have been gumming
he/she/it will have been gumming
we will have been gumming
they will have been gumming

IMPERATIVE

we Let´s gum

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was gumming
you were gumming
he/she/it was gumming
we were gumming
they were gumming

PAST PARTICIPLE

gummed

PAST PERFECT

I had gummed
you had gummed
he/she/it had gummed
we had gummed
they had gummed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been gumming
you had been gumming
he/she/it had been gumming
we had been gumming
they had been gumming

PRESENT

I gum
you gum
he/she/it gums
we gum
they gum

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am gumming
you are gumming
he/she/it is gumming
we are gumming
they are gumming

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

gumming

PRESENT PERFECT

I have gummed
you have gummed
he/she/it has gummed
we have gummed
they have gummed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been gumming
you have been gumming
he/she/it has been gumming
we have been gumming
they have been gumming

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it gum

SIMPLE PAST

I gummed
you gummed
he/she/it gummed
we gummed
they gummed

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