balata
- noun
- Specialized
:
balata
- balata cover
- balata golf balls
Examples
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A crucial tee shot, with persimmon and a Tour Balata, used to take just as much nerve as any 3-footer.
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The manufacture of modern golf balls often replaces the old balata with more durable materials.
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In the past, balata was the preferred choice for golf ball covers due to its unique rubber-like properties.
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Balata is used for making machine belts because of its toughness and flexibility.
Synonyms
A tough, rubbery material from tree sap used to make old golf balls
A tough white rubber used to cover wires and in dental work
Compounds
- Specialized
A tropical tree from Central and South America that makes thick gum and has heavy red wood
How Elastic
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word balata comes from a native South American word written balatá which meant 'sticky tree sap'. That sap is like natural rubber, so balata now means the tough, rubber-like material used for old golf ball covers and machine belts.