red gum

¹

noun

, Pathology.

1. strophulus.

red gum

²

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 ( defs 1, 2 ).

red gum

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

Word History and Origins

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

Ensure that animals have access to shade and water, and watch for early signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, a rapid heart rate, bright red gums, a purple tongue and a dry nose.

From Washington Post

It went out of sight, it and its rider, round the bend where the red gum lay.

From Project Gutenberg

In the dysentery, the red gum of the tree which principally abounds on this coast, was found a very powerful remedy.

From Project Gutenberg

The rival of the red gum as a timber tree is the jarrah, an eucalypt peculiar to Western Australia, where it grows in forests.

From Project Gutenberg

Of the other gums the pride of place must be awarded to the noble Eucalpytus rostrata, or red gum of the colonists.

From Project Gutenberg

Their bullock-drays were often bogged in Elizabeth Street, and they made a corduroy crossing over it with red gum logs.

From Project Gutenberg