from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gutta-percha \Gut"ta-per`cha\, n. [Malay gutah gum + pertja the
tree from which is it procured.]
A concrete juice produced by various trees found in the
Malayan archipelago, especially by the {Isonandra Gutta},
syn. {Dichopsis Gutta}. It becomes soft, and unpressible at
the tamperature of boiling water, and, on cooling, retains
its new shape. It dissolves in oils and ethers, but not in
water. In many of its properties it resembles caoutchouc, and
it is extensively used for many economical purposes. The
{Mimusops globosa} of Guiana also yields this material.
[1913 Webster]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Chicle \Chic"le\, n., Chicle gum \Chicle gum\ [Amer. Sp.
chicle.]
A gumlike substance obtained from the bully tree ({Mimusops
globosa}) and sometimes also from the naseberry or sapodilla
({Sapota zapotilla}). It is more plastic than caoutchouc and
more elastic than gutta-percha, as an adulterant of which it
is used in England. It is used largely in the United States
in making chewing gum.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]