* Chewing gum: This is the most common meaning in everyday conversation.
* Rubber: This is the more literal translation of "goma" and is often used in technical contexts. For example, "la goma de borrar" means "the eraser."
* Gum (as in a plant): "Goma" can also refer to the sticky substance produced by certain plants, like gum arabic.
To understand the specific meaning of "la goma" in a sentence, you need to pay attention to the context. For example:
* "Me encanta la goma de mascar." (I love chewing gum.)
* "Necesito una goma de borrar para corregir mi trabajo." (I need an eraser to correct my work.)
* "La goma arábiga se utiliza en la industria alimentaria." (Gum arabic is used in the food industry.)
Let me know if you have a specific sentence you'd like me to help you understand!