Caoutchouc
n.-
A tenacious, elastic, gummy substance obtained from the milky sap of several plants of tropical South America (esp. the euphorbiaceous tree
Siphonia elastica orHevea caoutchouc ), Asia, and Africa. Being impermeable to liquids and gases, and not readly affected by exposure to air, acids, and alkalies, it is used, especially when vulcanized, for many purposes in the arts and in manufactures. Also calledIndia rubber (because it was first brought from India, and was formerly used chiefly for erasing pencil marks) andgum elastic . SeeVulcanization .
Mineral caoutchouc .
See under

