gutta-percha tree
Noun: 1. A tree yielding gutta-percha: A gutta-percha tree is one of several species of trees, native to Southeast Asia, particularly the East Indies (modern-day Indonesia and Malaysia), whose latex sap is the source of the natural plastic material known as gutta-percha.
The term is used specifically in botanical and historical/commercial contexts to refer to the source trees of an important material. It is a compound noun that functions as a single unit. * The gutta-percha tree was highly valued in the 19th century for its unique sap. * Botanists studied the gutta-percha tree to understand its properties.
- The latex from the gutta-percha tree was once essential for insulating submarine telegraph cables.
- Several species, such as Palaquium gutta, are known as gutta-percha trees.
- The term is often used in historical texts discussing the trade and industrial use of natural materials before the advent of fully synthetic plastics.
- Gutta-percha (n): The rigid, non-conductive latex material derived from the sap of the gutta-percha tree, used historically for golf balls, furniture, and especially as electrical insulation.
- Palaquium (n): The genus comprising many of the trees known as gutta-percha trees.
- Gutta-percha source tree
- Palaquium tree (specific to the genus)
The term "gutta-percha tree" refers exclusively to the botanical source. It should not be confused with the material "gutta-percha" itself, which is the processed product. The primary meaning is tied directly to the tree's economic and historical role in producing this material.
- one of several East Indian trees yielding gutta-percha
- one of several East Indian trees yielding gutta-percha