SPRUCE GUM Meaning and
Definition
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Spruce gum refers to a type of resin or sap collected from spruce trees. It is a sticky, aromatic substance that oozes out of the tree when the bark has been damaged or broken. The gum has been used for various purposes throughout history, primarily by Indigenous peoples and early settlers.
In terms of its physical properties, spruce gum is typically amber-colored and quite viscous. When hardened, it becomes brittle and can easily be broken into small pieces. The gum is known for its distinct pine-like scent and taste, which is often described as resinous or woody.
Spruce gum has had multiple uses over the years. It has been employed as a chewing gum, traditionally used for its pleasant taste and breath freshening properties. Additionally, it has been considered for its potential medicinal benefits, such as soothing sore throats or alleviating digestive issues. Historically, spruce gum was also utilized as a waterproof sealant for canoes and other vessels, due to its sticky nature and resistance to water.
Today, spruce gum continues to be produced and used, though its popularity has diminished compared to other alternatives. It is sometimes marketed as a novelty or nostalgic item, appealing to those seeking a traditional chewing gum experience or a connection to historical practices.
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An exudate from the trunk and branches of Picea mariana, extensively used, flavored in various ways, as a masticatory, or chewing-gum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPRUCE GUM
- apruce gum
- zpruce gum
- xpruce gum
- dpruce gum
- epruce gum
- wpruce gum
- soruce gum
- slruce gum
- s-ruce gum
- s0ruce gum
- speuce gum
- spduce gum
- spfuce gum
- sptuce gum
- sp5uce gum
- sp4uce gum
- spryce gum
- sprhce gum
- sprjce gum
- sprice gum
Etymology of SPRUCE GUM
The word "spruce gum" has a fairly straightforward etymology.
The word "spruce" originated from Middle English "Spruce" or "Pruse", which referred to people or products from Prussia, a region in Europe. In the 16th century, goods from this region were highly valued, particularly the high-quality timber from spruce trees. Over time, "spruce" began to refer specifically to the tree species itself.
"Gum" refers to a sticky substance produced by plants. It comes from the Old English word "goma", which means "viscous matter". In this case, "gum" refers to the resin or sap extracted from spruce trees.
So, the term "spruce gum" combines the name of the tree species and the sticky substance it produces.
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