How Do You Spell GUMS?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈʌmz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "gums" follows the English language convention of using the letter "u" after the consonant "g" when it is pronounced as a hard "g" sound, as in "goose." The IPA phonetic transcription of "gums" is /ɡʌmz/, with the hard "g" sound represented by the symbol /ɡ/. The plural "s" at the end of the word is pronounced as /z/, indicated by the symbol /z/. Together, these phonetic symbols illustrate the correct pronunciation and spelling of the word "gums."

GUMS Meaning and Definition

  1. Gums, also called gingiva, refer to the soft tissues that surround and support the teeth within the mouth. They are composed of dense, fibrous, and pinkish mucous membranes that cover the jawbone and tooth roots. Gums play a crucial role in maintaining dental health as they provide a protective barrier, holding the teeth in place and cushioning them against external forces.

    The gums serve as a seal around the teeth, preventing bacteria and food particles from entering the deeper structures of the mouth. When healthy, gums have a firm, resilient texture and fit snugly around each tooth, creating a tight seal. However, gum health can be compromised due to various factors.

    Poor oral hygiene habits, such as inadequate brushing and flossing, can lead to gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, causes inflammation, redness, and swelling of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, where the gums may recede, forming pockets that allow bacteria to grow and attack the underlying bone and tissue supporting the teeth.

    Gum disease can result in symptoms like bad breath, bleeding gums, gum sensitivity, and loose teeth. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices and visit a dentist regularly to prevent and treat gum disease. Additionally, a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco use, and managing systemic conditions like diabetes are crucial for maintaining healthy gums.

  2. Gingivae, gum (2).

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

  3. The fleshy matter surrounding the teeth; the sockets of the teeth.

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

Common Misspellings for GUMS

Etymology of GUMS

The word "gums" has its origins in Middle English. It is derived from the Old English word "gōma", which meant "the front of the mouth" or "the palate". The Old English word is further traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*gōmō" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*gʰóms", both of which also referred to the mouth or the front part of it. Over time, the meaning of "gums" expanded to specifically refer to the fleshy tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth.

Idioms with the word GUMS

  • beat gums The idiom "beat gums" means to speak or talk at length without saying anything meaningful or productive. It refers to the act of talking excessively or making empty promises without taking any concrete action.
  • flap one's gums The idiom "flap one's gums" means to talk excessively or speak without saying anything important or meaningful. It refers to someone who talks a lot but lacks substance or purpose in their words.
  • beat one's gums The idiom "beat one's gums" means to talk excessively or aimlessly without actually accomplishing anything or making any progress. It refers to someone who talks a lot but lacks substance or meaningful content in their communication.
  • beat one’s gums The idiom "beat one's gums" means to talk or speak in a manner that is long-winded, pointless, or without any real substance. It often implies that the individual is continuously talking without achieving or contributing anything meaningful to the conversation or situation.
  • flap your gums The idiom "flap your gums" means to talk excessively or speak in a meaningless or unimportant manner. It refers to the act of someone talking without purpose or substance, often used to describe someone who talks a lot but says little of value.

Similar spelling words for GUMS

Plural form of GUMS is GUMS

Conjugate verb Gums

CONDITIONAL

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

PAST

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

PAST PERFECT

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

PRESENT

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

PRESENT PERFECT

I have gummed
we have gummed
you have gummed
he/she/it has gummed
they have gummed
I am gumming
we are gumming
you are gumming
he/she/it is gumming
they are gumming
I was gumming
we were gumming
you were gumming
he/she/it was gumming
they were gumming
I will be gumming
we will be gumming
you will be gumming
he/she/it will be gumming
they will be gumming
I have been gumming
we have been gumming
you have been gumming
he/she/it has been gumming
they have been gumming
I had been gumming
we had been gumming
you had been gumming
he/she/it had been gumming
they had been gumming
I will have been gumming
we will have been gumming
you will have been gumming
he/she/it will have been gumming
they will have been gumming
I would have gummed
we would have gummed
you would have gummed
he/she/it would have gummed
they would have gummed
I would be gumming
we would be gumming
you would be gumming
he/she/it would be gumming
they would be gumming
I would have been gumming
we would have been gumming
you would have been gumming
he/she/it would have been gumming
they would have been gumming

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