a Malaysian apocynaceous tree of the genus Dyera, esp D. costulata
2.
the latex obtained from this tree, used in the manufacture of chewing gum
3.
the wood of this tree
Word origin
C19: from Malay
jelutong in American English
(ˈdʒeləˌtɔŋ, -ˌtɑŋ)
noun
1.
a tree, Dyera costulata, of the Malay Peninsula, from which a resinous latex is obtained
2. Also called: pontianak
the latex of these trees, used as a substitute for chicle
3. Also called: devil tree
a tropical Old World tree, Alstonia scholaris, of the dogbane family, of which the bark is used in medicine
Word origin
[1830–40; ‹ Malay]This word is first recorded in the period 1830–40. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: baby talk, format, isometric, rococo, walkover