In mammals, the soft tissues surrounding the base of the teeth. Gums are liable to inflammation (gingivitis) or to infection by microbes from food deposits (periodontal disease).

Any of various substances (soluble in water) that exude from certain plants; they are gelatinous when moist but harden on drying.

In botany, complex polysaccharides (carbohydrates) formed by many plants and trees, particularly by those from dry regions. They form four main groups: plant exudates (gum arabic); marine plant extracts (agar); seed extracts; and fruit and vegetable extracts. Some are made synthetically.
Gums are tasteless and odorless, insoluble in alcohol and ether but generally soluble in water. They are used for adhesives, fabric sizing, in confectionery, medicine, and calico printing.

To exude or from gum; of certain trees.