a gum obtained from several African acacias (esp. Acacia senegal), used in medicine and candy, for stabilizing emulsions, etc.
Origin:
after L gummi Arabicum
See gum arabic in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A gum exuded by various African trees of the genus Acacia, especially A. senegal, used in the preparation of pills and emulsions and the manufacture of mucilage and candies and in general as a thickener and colloidal stabilizer. Also called acacia.