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.

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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

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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 • Dec. 27, 2022

Courses have been hosting weddings since before the balata ball, but they're not without surprises.

From Golf Digest • Aug. 22, 2018

Now, if Fowler really wants to impress, he'll use a balata or gutta-percha ball for his next driving exhibition.

From Golf Digest • Jan. 13, 2017

And in every situation, it flew significantly farther than a balata ball when hit with the same force.

From Golf Digest • Oct. 16, 2013

Timber is cut, and balata and rubber collected, from crown lands by licences issued from the department of Lands and Mines.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 6 "Groups, Theory of" to "Gwyniad" by Various