balata

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.Compare bully tree.
2. a tree, Mimusops balata, of Madagascar.

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