balata
Americannoun
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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.
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a tree, Mimusops balata, of Madagascar.
noun
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a tropical American sapotaceous tree, Manilkara bidentata , yielding a latex-like sap
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“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
When I first came on tour, we all played balata balls that spun like hell.
From Golf Digest • Apr. 2, 2020
Ever hit a persimmon driver or balata golf ball?
From Golf Digest • Aug. 15, 2017
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
"Nine hundred balata," he stated definitely, matching the frank directness of this unusual shopper, and incidentally doubling his price.
From The Players by Solomon, Steve
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
