noun a sticky substance used for chewing or sticking things together
verb to block or obstruct by sticking or clogging
In the field of engineering, 'gum up' is used to describe the act of causing a machine or mechanism to become clogged or obstructed with sticky or viscous material.
In chemistry, 'gum up' can refer to the formation of sticky residues or polymers that interfere with the intended reaction or process.
In manufacturing, 'gum up' refers to the process of causing a piece of equipment or machinery to become inoperable due to the accumulation of sticky substances.
Within the maintenance field, 'gum up' is used to describe the need for regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent parts from becoming gummed up.
In a writing context, 'gum up' can be used to describe a situation where the flow of a story or the clarity of writing is disrupted or hindered. For example, 'The excessive use of jargon gummed up the technical manual.'
In a psychological context, 'gum up' can be used to describe a situation where cognitive processes or emotional responses are disrupted or blocked. For example, 'Negative thought patterns can gum up the decision-making process.'
In an engineering context, 'gum up' can be used to describe a situation where machinery or equipment becomes clogged or obstructed. For example, 'The lack of proper maintenance caused the gears to gum up and stop working.'
In a financial context, 'gum up' can be used to describe a situation where financial transactions or processes become complicated or inefficient. For example, 'The new regulations gummed up the investment process.'