Gumdrop

/ˈɡʌmˌdrɑp/ noun

Definition

A small, hard candy with a gummy or jelly-like center and a sugar-coated exterior, often fruit-flavored and colorful.

Etymology

Compound word from 'gum' (gummy texture) plus 'drop' (small rounded form); became a popular candy in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Gumdrops were originally used as medicinal lozenges in the 1800s before someone realized the same gummy formula could taste like fruit—turning medicine into one of kids' favorite candies.

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