What is chicle? How to use in English

The word "chicle" has its roots in the Mayan language, spoken by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. In particular, the word originated from the Mayan language Xinkindi'uun, where "xi types co" translates to "sappy gum." This ancient Mayan word referred to the sap resin obtained from the sapodilla tree, which served as a natural base for making chewing gum. The ancient Mayans started using chicle during the classical era, around 600 AD to 1000 AD, as an alternative to cacao, which was used as currency and at the same time at the expense of destroying its trees due to overharvesting. The abundant chicle tree made up for the demand, and the commercial production of chicle started by the Mayans mainly traded with the neighboring Toltec cities. After Spain's colonization of Mexico in the mid-16th century, the demand for chewing gum increased in Spain, and the name "chiicle" traveled with the Spanish conquistadors back to Spain. In Spanish, the word was changed to "julepe de chicle", acknowledging the recent popularity in Europe. Eventually, its form was shortened to "chicles" and brought to other European countries. Today, the word "chicle" has been preserved in several modern languages, including English, as well as in the scientific name for the sapodilla tree, Manilkara zapota, which is derived from the Mayan language as well. The use of chicle for making chewing gum is now widely known, and it is often seen as an ecologically sustainable and biodegradable alternative to artificial synthetics, thanks to its ancient roots and cultural significance in the Mayan communities.