gum tree

noun

1. any tree that exudes gum, as a eucalyptus, the sour gum, or the sweet gum.
2. any of various other gum-yielding trees, as the sapodilla.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gum tree¹

An Americanism dating back to 1670–80

Example Sentences

We came upon buffalo tracks near a large water-hole, and here we each climbed a gum-tree and awaited the arrival of our prey.

From Project Gutenberg

All the other men at the same time tap it with twigs of a particular gum tree, chanting the while.

From Project Gutenberg

The gum-tree is highly combustible, and it is a common practice with them to kindle their fires at the root of one of these trees.

From Project Gutenberg

The polygonum still prevailed upon them in places, and the blue-gum tree alone occupied their outskirts.

From Project Gutenberg

The gum tree proved to be a sapling of no great promise or pretensions.

From Project Gutenberg