bully tree

noun

bul·​ly tree
ˈbu̇lē-
variants or bullet tree
-lə̇t-
: any of several hard-wooded tropical American trees of the family Sapotaceae
especially : a large tree (Manilkara bidentata) of the West Indies and northern South America that yields balata gum and a heavy red timber

called also balata, beefwood

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from American Spanish balata

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Cite this Entry

“Bully tree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bully%20tree. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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