balata
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.: Compare bully tree.
a tree, Mimusops balata, of Madagascar.
Origin of balata
1Words Nearby balata
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use balata in a sentence
The joins are dried in the sun, after which the tray is made water-tight with a lining of balata.
Rubber | Edith A. BrowneTo the majority of the balata-bleeders, the river steamers are a great boon.
Rubber | Edith A. BrowneAt balata it is said that the city gate of ancient Shechem was uncovered.
Archology and the Bible | George A. Bartonbalata bands may be used in place of india-rubber, but though less expensive are not so lasting.
Timber is cut, and balata and rubber collected, from crown lands by licences issued from the department of Lands and Mines.
British Dictionary definitions for balata
/ (ˈbælətə) /
a tropical American sapotaceous tree, Manilkara bidentata, yielding a latex-like sap
a rubber-like gum obtained from this sap: used as a substitute for gutta-percha
Origin of balata
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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