<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a nonelastic, rubberlike, water-resistant gum that softens in hot water and is obtained from the latex of a tropical American tree, <em>Manilkara bidentata</em>; used chiefly in the manufacture of machinery belts, golf ball covers, and as a substitute for gutta percha</li><li>a tree, <em>Mimusops balata</em>, of Madagascar</li></ul>