Gummifying

Gummifying, in its most basic sense, refers to the process of transforming something into a gummy, sticky, or viscous state, similar to the consistency of gum. This can apply to a wide array of substances, from food items that might become overly soft and gluey due to processing or age, to industrial materials experiencing unwanted changes in their physical properties. Often, gummification implies a negative alteration, indicating a loss of desirable characteristics like firmness, crispness, or fluidity. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or relationships that have become stagnant, difficult to manage, or stuck in a rut. The overall connotation leans towards a process of degradation or an undesirable transformation.

Gummifying meaning with examples

• The candy maker noticed the batch of gummy bears was starting to gummify due to the humidity in the storage room, causing concern about their appearance and texture. This meant they would begin to clump together. He had to quickly recondition the storage facility before a loss in quality.
• Exposure to the sun caused the adhesive on the sticker to gummify, making it nearly impossible to remove without leaving a sticky residue. The sticker was old and weathered, indicating that the adhesive broke down. Attempts at removal just smeared the adhesive further.
• The old paint began to gummify, forming a thick, unusable layer at the bottom of the can after it sat in the storage shed for several years. The oxidation made it an unworkable mess. The painter threw it away, as it was past its date.
• Over time, the poorly preserved fruit preserves in the jar began to gummify, developing a thick, unappetizing consistency and an off-putting smell. This was due to poor sealing, exposing the jam to air. They were tossed in the trash, and the jar was cleaned thoroughly.
• The software project started to gummify as the developers struggled with conflicting requirements and a lack of communication, resulting in a tangled, unusable codebase. The project became unmanageable, with team members becoming confused. They struggled to move forward.