gunk

[ guhngk ]

noun

, Informal.

1. any sticky or greasy residue or accumulation:

   gunk on the oil filter.

gunk

/ ɡʌŋk /

noun

1. informal.
   slimy, oily, or filthy matter

Word History and Origins

Origin of gunk¹

An Americanism dating back to 1932; originally a trademark name for a degreasing solvent

Word History and Origins

Origin of gunk¹

C20: perhaps of imitative origin

Example Sentences

If they saw gunk clogging a throttle line, they hoisted it out with a hook.

From MIT Technology Review

Adding in a dose of pro-Alzheimer’s genes, for example, could block up traffic with gunk, leading scientists to figure out how those genes fit into the larger Alzheimer’s picture.

From Singularity Hub 

Make sure to remove all the caked-on gunk from the cassette and chainring teeth and derailleur pulley wheels, and clean the chain as thoroughly as you can.

From Outside Online

The best pressure washer will sweep in to clean excess gunk without requiring any manual scrubbing or stooping down to ground level.

From Popular-Science

These tile and grout cleaning machines pack a load of automatic scrubbing ability into a device the size of a toothbrush but scrape away years of gunk in seconds.

From Popular-Science

The traverse is broken by an island, to which the Indians, with us, applied the name of Sha-wan-gunk.

From Project Gutenberg

"Hope that gunk they used to monkey up my complexion doesn't sweat out," he told himself.

From Project Gutenberg

Gunk; a 'take in,' a 'sell'; as a verb, to 'take in,' to cheat.

From Project Gutenberg

"Gunk" and "chaw" are the Scots for a bitter and envious disappointment which shows itself in face and eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

I've been fighting this cowlick ever since I've been a kid—stocking caps, gunk, the works.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dirt
• goo
• manure
• mud
• slime
• sludge
• trash