This is the 3929th most frequent Japanese word.
ゴム
Rubber.
ゴム refers to the material 'rubber', describing its softness.
このゴムはとても柔らかいです。
This rubber is very soft.
ゴム refers to 'rubber' as used in a hair tie or band made from rubber.
ゴムを使って髪を束ねます。
I use a rubber band to tie my hair.
ゴム refers to rubber material incorporated in shoe soles.