gum arabic

noun

: a water-soluble gum obtained from several acacias (especially Senegalia senegal synonym Acacia senegal) and used especially in the manufacture of inks, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and confections

Examples of gum arabic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That usually consists of starch, food coloring, and stabilizers and preservatives (look for words like maltodextrin, dextrose, and gum arabic). — Karen Yuan, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024 Rafael Martin/Europa Press/Abaca/Sipa USA/AP Their team mixed lavender oil into a warm solution of fibroin, a flexible protein made by silkworms, and gum arabic, a substance from acacia trees that helps stabilize materials. — Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gum arabic was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

gum aloes
gum arabic
gum arabic tree
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Cite this Entry

“Gum arabic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gum%20arabic. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

gum arabic

noun
: a gum that can be dissolved in water, is obtained from several acacias, and is used especially in making adhesives, drugs, and candy

Medical Definition

gum arabic

noun
gum ar·​a·​bic -ˈar-ə-bik How to pronounce gum arabic (audio)
: a water-soluble gum obtained from several leguminous plants of the genus Acacia (especially A. senegal and A. arabica) and used especially in pharmacy to suspend insoluble substances in water, to prepare emulsions, and to make pills and lozenges

called also acacia, gum acacia

More from Merriam-Webster on gum arabic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gum arabic

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