balata
|ba-la-ta|
/bəˈlɑːtə/
tropical sticky latex
Etymology
'balata' originates from Spanish (balatá), ultimately borrowed from an indigenous language of the Guiana region (possibly Carib or an Arawakan language), where a form like 'balata' referred to a sticky resin or sap.
'balata' entered English in the 19th century from Spanish 'balatá' in botanical and commercial contexts referring to the latex of the bulletwood tree; it was adopted into technical English usage for the material produced by that tree.
Initially it meant 'a sticky or resinous sap from certain tropical trees'; over time it has retained that core meaning and also refers to the processed material (the gum or rubber-like substance) and, by extension, sometimes the tree itself.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the latex or gum obtained from the balatá tree (Manilkara bidentata) used as a tough, gutta‑percha–like material for items such as golf‑ball covers, belting, and other rubber goods.
In the early 20th century, golf balls were often made with a balata cover because of its good feel.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the tropical tree (commonly Manilkara bidentata, also called bulletwood) that yields balata latex.
Local harvesters tapped the balata tree to collect its sticky sap.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/04 09:34