balata

[ buh-lah-tuh, bal-uh-tuh ]

noun
  1. a nonelastic, rubberlike, water-resistant gum that softens in hot water and is obtained from the latex of a tropical American tree, Manilkara bidentata: used chiefly in the manufacture of machinery belts, golf ball covers, and as a substitute for gutta percha.: Compare bully tree.

  2. a tree, Mimusops balata, of Madagascar.

Origin of balata

1
First recorded in 1855–60; from Latin American Spanish, from Carib; compare Galibi balata

Words Nearby balata

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British Dictionary definitions for balata

balata

/ (ˈbælətə) /


noun
  1. a tropical American sapotaceous tree, Manilkara bidentata, yielding a latex-like sap

  2. a rubber-like gum obtained from this sap: used as a substitute for gutta-percha

Origin of balata

1
from American Spanish, of Carib origin

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