[jin-jahy-vuh, jin-juh-] 
[guhm] noun, verb, gummed, gum⋅ming.| 1. | Often, gums. Also called gingiva. the firm, fleshy tissue covering the alveolar parts of either jaw and enveloping the necks of the teeth. |
| 2. | to masticate (food) with the gums instead of teeth. |
| 3. | to shape or renew the teeth of (a saw), as by grinding. |
| 4. | beat one's gums, Slang. to talk excessively or ineffectively. |
| gin·gi·va (jĭn'jə-və, jĭn-jī'-) n. pl. gin·gi·vae (-vē') See gum2. [Latin gingīva.] |
| gum 2 (gŭm) n. The firm connective tissue covered by mucous membrane that envelops the alveolar arches of the jaw and surrounds the bases of the teeth. Also called gingiva. tr.v. gummed, gum·ming, gums To chew (food) with toothless gums. [Middle English gome, from Old English gōma, palate, jaw.] |
gingiva gin·gi·va (jĭn'jə-və, jĭn-jī'-)
n. pl. gin·gi·vae (-vē')
See gum.
gum 2
n.
The firm connective tissue covered by mucous membrane that envelops the alveolar arches of the jaw and surrounds the bases of the teeth. Also called gingiva. v. gummed, gum·ming, gums
To chew food with toothless gums.
| gingiva (jĭn'jə-və) Pronunciation Key
Plural gingivae (jĭn'jə-vē') The gums of the mouth. The gingiva are made up of epithelial tissue that is attached to the bones of the jaw and surrounds and supports the bases of the teeth. Also called gum2. |
| gum 2 (gŭm) Pronunciation Key
See gingiva. |