gum arabic

noun

Definition of gum arabic

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

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And like the soft center of its confectionary cousin the gumdrop (also part of the class of candies called jellies), it is made of sugar, flavors, water and some form of thickener, such as gelatin, gum Arabic, or starch. — D. Lawrence Tarazano, Smithsonian, "The Patents and Trademarks Behind Jelly Beans," 13 Apr. 2017

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

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gum arabic

noun

gum ar·a·bic | \-ˈar-ə-bik

Medical Definition of gum arabic

: 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