gummerad

Gummerad is a Swedish adjective meaning “coated with gum” or “having a gum backing.” It is derived from the noun gummi (gum) and the suffix -erad, used to form adjectives indicating that something bears an adhesive layer. The term is common in everyday Swedish as well as in technical and cataloging language.

In philately, the word describes postage stamps that retain their original adhesive gum on the back. A gummerad stamp is moistened to be affixed, as opposed to stamps that are ungummed or that have had the gum removed or altered. Collectors evaluate stamps by the condition of the gum, noting whether it is intact, disturbed, regummed, or missing, as this affects value and authentication. The concept is also relevant for labels and seals that are designed to be moistened or activated by humidity.

Beyond stamps, gummerad can describe any paper product with an adhesive backing, such as gummed labels, envelopes, or security seals. In conservation and packaging, the term helps distinguish items prepared to be affixed to another surface from those without an adhesive layer. The basic idea across contexts is a surface treated to accept adhesion.