Friday word: Guttapercha
gut·ta-per·cha
noun \ˌgə-tə-ˈpər-chə\
: a tough plastic substance from the latex of several Malaysian trees (genera Payena and Palaquium) of the sapodilla (Sapotaceae) family that resembles rubber but contains more resin and is used especially as insulation and in dentistry in temporary fillings and as a permanent filling in root canals.
Etymology:
Malay gĕtah-pĕrcha, from gĕtah sap, latex + pĕrcha scrap, rag
First Known Use: 1845