/beuh lah"teuh, bal"euh teuh/ , n.
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. Cf. bully tree .
2. a tree, Mimusops balata, of Madagascar.
[ 1855-60; ]