coal tar

American  

noun

1. a thick, black, viscid liquid formed during the distillation of coal, that upon further distillation yields compounds, as benzene, anthracene, and phenol, from which are derived a large number of dyes, drugs, and other synthetic compounds, and that yields a final residuum coal-tar pitch, which is used chiefly in making pavements.

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coal tar British  

noun

1. a black tar, produced by the distillation of bituminous coal, that can be further distilled to yield benzene, toluene, xylene, anthracene, phenol, etc

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coal tar Scientific  

1. A thick, sticky, black liquid obtained through the destructive distillation (heating in the absence of air) of coal. It is used as a source of many organic compounds, such as benzene, naphthalene, and phenols, which are used in dyes, drugs, and other compounds.

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Other Word Forms

• coal-tar
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of coal tar

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

A predecessor had operated an unclean gas plant around a century ago, the company said, and had in the process dumped a material akin to coal tar into the river, trapping artifacts in the sediment.

From Washington Times • Nov. 14, 2023

Our investigation revealed that the Oronoco Street outfall, at the north end of Founders Park in Old Town, has been illegally discharging coal tar and creosote wastes into the Potomac River since at least 1975.

From Washington Post • Jun. 24, 2022

“It’s coal tar and it’s a known carcinogen and mostly you find it in industrial settings,” said Horney.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 22, 2018

Bladder cancer, which can be set in motion by coal tar, metalworking fluids, and other workplace toxics, usually appears 15 to 40 years later.

From Slate • Nov. 5, 2015

Maybe she wants to see me sweat coal tar, ink, shoe polish, graphite.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison