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.

2. a tree, Mimusops balata, of Madagascar.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of balata¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of balata¹

from American Spanish, of Carib origin

Example Sentences

“And he gave them to me, and so my pockets were filled with balatas balls.”

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The brothers would come to visit and rain down buckets of balatas.

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And we need that balata in our hands.

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When I first came on tour, we all played balata balls that spun like hell.

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You probably still play with balatas, don't you?

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