Definition

Noun: 1. A type of tree that exudes gum or sap: A common name for various trees, primarily from the genus Eucalyptus, but also from other genera like Liquidambar (sweetgum) and Nyssa (black gum), which are known for producing a sticky, resinous substance.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The koala feeds exclusively on the leaves of the gum tree.
  • The park was filled with tall gum trees, their bark peeling in long strips.
  • We sat in the shade of an old gum tree.

Advanced Usage

• "Up a gum tree": An informal British and Australian idiom meaning to be in a difficult or awkward situation; to be stumped or in trouble.
  • I've lost the car keys and we're due to leave in five minutes—I'm really up a gum tree now.

Variants and Related Words

• Gum (noun): The sticky resinous substance exuded by these trees.
  • The gum from the eucalyptus tree has various traditional uses.
• Eucalyptus (noun): The most common genus of trees referred to as gum trees, native to Australia.
• Sweetgum (noun): A type of gum tree from the genus , known for its star-shaped leaves and spiky seed pods.
• Black gum (noun): A type of gum tree from the genus , known for its brilliant red fall foliage.

Synonyms

• Eucalyptus tree
• Sweetgum tree (for species)
• Tupelo (for species)

Related Idioms

• Up a gum tree: In a predicament; in a difficult situation with no obvious solution.
  • This complicated math problem has me completely up a gum tree.

Noun

1. any of various trees of the genera Eucalyptus or Liquidambar or Nyssa that are sources of gum