~ 1
■ noun
1》 a viscous secretion of some trees and shrubs that hardens on drying but is soluble in water.
↘a sticky secretion collecting in the corner of the eye.
2》 glue used for sticking paper or other light materials together.
3》 chewing ~ or bubble ~.
4》 a ~ tree, especially a eucalyptus.
5》 North American term for ~boot .
■ verb ( ~s , ~ming , ~med ) cover or fasten with ~ or glue.
↘( ~ something up ) clog up a mechanism and prevent it from working properly.
Origin
ME: from OFr. gomme , based on L. ~mi , from Gk kommi , from Egyptian kemai .
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~ 2
■ noun the firm area of flesh around the roots of the teeth in the jaw.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ming , ~med ) N. Amer. chew with toothless ~s.
Origin
OE gōma 'inside of the mouth or throat', of Gmc origin.
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~ 3
■ noun (in phr. by ~! ) chiefly N. English an exclamation used for emphasis.
Origin
C19: euphemistic alt. of God .