Definition

1. Noun:
   • A whitish rubber-like substance: "gutta-percha" is a rigid, naturally occurring polymer derived from the coagulated, milky latex (sap) of certain tropical trees, primarily from the genus Palaquium. It is thermoplastic, becoming soft and malleable when heated.
   • An insulating material: Historically, its most significant use was as a durable, waterproof electrical insulator, particularly for undersea telegraph cables.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The 19th-century telegraph cables were insulated with gutta-percha.
  • Gutta-percha is valued for its stability and resistance to water.

Advanced Usage

• "gutta-percha point": In dentistry, a cone made of gutta-percha used to fill the root canal during a root canal treatment.
  • The dentist selected a gutta-percha point to seal the canal.

Variants and Related Words

• Gutta-percha tree (n): Any tree of the genus , from which gutta-percha latex is harvested.
• Gutta (n, informal): A shortened, sometimes used form for gutta-percha, especially in historical or trade contexts.

Synonyms

• Natural rubber (though this is a broader category; gutta-percha is a specific type with different properties).
• Balata (n): A similar, related natural latex from the balata tree, sometimes used interchangeably or as a substitute.

Related Phrases

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs or idioms.)

Noun

1. a whitish rubber derived from the coagulated milky latex of gutta-percha trees; used for insulation of electrical cables