red gum

¹ American  

noun

Pathology.

1. strophulus.

---

red gum ² American  

noun

1. any of several trees of the genus Eucalyptus, especially E. camaldulensis, having smooth, gray bark.

2. the hard, reddish wood of this tree, used for making railroad ties, fence posts, etc.

3. sweet gum.

---

red gum British  

noun

1. any of several Australian myrtaceous trees of the genus Eucalyptus , esp E. camaldulensis , which has reddish wood See also blue gum

2. the hard red wood from this tree, used for making railway sleepers, posts, etc

3. another name for sweet gum

---

Etymology

Origin of red gum¹

First recorded in 1590–1610; from earlier red gowm, red gown, alteration of Middle English radegund, redgoun(d) “red pus”

Origin of red gum²

First recorded in 1780–90; red ¹ ( def. ) + gum (tree) ( def. )

Example Sentences

Jackson, who also does custom furniture commissions, says that woodturning frees her to experiment with unexpected wood varieties, from red gum eucalyptus to antique poplar.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2023

His stools are available in Claro walnut, hard maple, red gum eucalyptus, redwood, Douglas fir, ash and white oak, and can be used as side tables and plant stands.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2021

He had used just three colours, black, white and red, gum arabic earth pigments that he then went over in oak gall ink.

From The Guardian • May 27, 2017

Slipping back into English, he spoke over the whirring of cicadas in the river red gum trees that line the sandy banks: “It is smaller than a kookaburra. Its mate will be nearby.”

From New York Times • Apr. 8, 2016

Holding on to Mama’s leg with her left arm, Rorra extended her right hand and offered me two red gum balls.

From "The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child" by Francisco Jiménez