Balata Definition
bə-lätə
noun
The nonelastic rubber obtained from the latex of the South American tree Manilkara bidentata. It has been used in the manufacture of golf-ball covers and machine belts.
American Heritage
Any of a genus (Manilkara, esp. M. bidentata) of tropical American trees of the sapodilla family with hard, heavy, dark-red wood used for flooring, furniture, etc.
Webster's New World
The dried milky sap of these trees, a rubberlike gum used to make golf ball covers, conveyor belts, etc.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- gutta balata
- Manilkara bidentata
- bully-tree
- beefwood
- balata tree
Origin of Balata
American Spanish from Tupí Galibi
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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