balata

American  

[buh-lah-tuh, bal-uh-tuh] / bəˈlɑ tə, ˈbæl ə tə /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of balata

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

Example Sentences

“He played balata golf balls. They were expensive, and he changed them out on every hole, which I couldn’t believe,” she said.

From Seattle Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

And we need that balata in our hands.

From Golf Digest

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

From Golf Digest

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

From Golf Digest