gutta-percha

noun

gut·​ta-per·​cha ˌgə-tə-ˈpər-chə 

: a tough plastic substance from the latex of several Malaysian trees (especially Palaquium gutta) of the sapodilla family that resembles rubber but contains more resin and is used especially as insulation and in dentistry as a permanent filling in root canals

Word History

Etymology

Malay gĕtah-pĕrcha, from gĕtah sap, latex + pĕrcha scrap, rag

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

gutta-percha

noun

gut·​ta-per·​cha ˌgət-ə-ˈpər-chə 

: a tough plastic substance from the latex of several Malaysian trees (genera Payena and Palaquium) of the sapodilla family (Sapotaceae) that resembles rubber but contains more resin and is used in dentistry especially as a permanent filling in root canals