tar ball

Examples
Word Origin

noun

a lump or blob of solidified tar resulting from an oil spill, natural seepage from the sea, or other source, that resists biodegradation and often washes up on beaches.

Origin of tar ball

1725-1735

First recorded in 1725-35

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2017.
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Contemporary Examples

After that, Williams was taken off spill and tar ball watch and put on boom removal.

Exclusive: BP Oil Spill Coverup Rick Outzen August 16, 2010

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